Category: Security and Crimes

Army says MASSOB directive on Church memorial for civil war victims illegal, disrupting peace

The Nigerian Army says the directive of the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) on church memorial for civil war victims is illegal.

In a statement on Friday in Enugu, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, said that the directive was aimed at disrupting the existing peace in South-East.

“The attention of Headquarters Operation UDO KA has been drawn to an illegal directive issued by MASSOB, directing churches in the South-East and parts of the South-South to hold memorial services in honour of civil war victims on May 30.

“Headquarters Operation UDO KA empathises deeply with families who lost loved ones during the civil war and acknowledge the sacrifices made to keep Nigeria united.

“The memories of those who paid the ultimate price remain indelible in our national consciousness,” he said.

Ayeni, however, said that it remained important to emphasise that there are already established national occasions legally recognised by the Federal Government to honour our fallen heroes.

According to him, these included: the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Nigerian Army Day Celebration, and Nigeria’s Independence Day; as these solemn occasions provide lawful platforms for reflection, unity and remembrance.

He noted that Operation UDO KA remembers with compassion the sacrifices of the fallen heroes, which can never be forgotten.

“However, true honour, lies in unity, peace, and lawful remembrance, not in illegal directives by some irredentists aimed at sowing division and causing panic in the region.

“The directive by MASSOB is therefore illegal, provocative, and must be disregarded by all.

“Any gathering or activity outside the framework of lawful national commemorations is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“The Nigerian Army is aware that sympathisers of MASSOB and IPOB resolved to issue this illegal order to create chaos,” he said.

The army spokesman advised clerics, innocent citizens and youths to stay away from such plans, which are designed to destabilise the peace enjoyed in the entire South-East.

He said that Operation UDO KA reassured the general public, including churches, that they should go about their services and businesses without fear of intimidation.

Ayeni said that any individual or group that disrupts public peace or religion activities would face the full weight of the law.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with other security agencies remain committed to safeguarding lives, property and ensuring peace across the South-East,” he added.

‎Oyo Ready to Engage Kidnappers for Safe Release of Abducted Pupils — Makinde
‎
‎
‎
‎By Adewale Owoade
‎
‎
‎Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has  said the that government was ready to listen to the demands of abductors of pupils, students and teachers kidnapped during attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, in a bid to secure their safe release.
‎
‎
‎Makinde stated this while addressing journalists at his private residence in Kolapo Ishola Estate, Ibadan, over the kidnapping incident that occurred in Ahoro Esinle Community in Oriire Local Government Area.
‎
‎
‎He, however, stressed that the state would never surrender to terrorism, assuring that all efforts were being intensified to ensure the victims returned home unharmed.
‎
‎
‎Makinde appealed to the abductors to release the victims promptly, insisting that the government was willing to engage them to save lives.
‎
‎
‎“We will do everything possible to ensure that our children and their teachers return safely.
‎
‎
‎“These are not foreigners; they are our people. Whatever their demands may be, we are ready to listen and address the ones we can as a state government. The children and their teachers must be released without delay.
‎
‎
‎
‎“We have now conclusively confirmed that at the Community Secondary School, seven students were abducted, while at the First Baptist Primary and Nursery School, 18 children were abducted alongside seven teachers.
‎
‎
‎“Unfortunately, as I reported yesterday, one of the teachers was killed, ” he said.
‎
‎
‎Makinde appealed for responsible reporting that the situation is not about sensationalism.
‎
‎
‎“The operation is still ongoing. It remains a very fluid and difficult situation for our troops on the ground. I will therefore appeal for responsible reporting because this is not about sensationalism; it involves human lives,” he said.
‎
‎
‎The governor disclosed that the state government had established an operational situation room at the Oyo State Police Command headquarters to coordinate rescue efforts and provide verified information to the public.
‎
‎
‎“We have set up an operational centre at the police headquarters here. The Commissioner of Police will coordinate the situation room and provide the required information,” he added.
‎
‎
‎Speaking on security reinforcement, Makinde confirmed that the surveillance aircraft procured by the state government had arrived in Nigeria and were currently being assembled at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos.
‎
‎
‎“The surveillance aircraft have arrived in the country and are presently at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos for reassembly.
‎
‎
‎“The manufacturers from China arrived about three days ago and will require roughly two weeks to complete the process.
‎
‎
‎“I can say conclusively that the surveillance aircraft will become operational on or before the end of June,” the governor stated.
‎
‎
‎He explained that the aircraft were procured proactively to monitor border communities between Oyo and neighbouring states, as well as the international border with the Republic of Benin.
‎
‎
‎“We were proactive because we wanted to cover the borderline between Oyo and Kwara states, as well as the international border between our state and the Republic of Benin, although we did not anticipate this particular incident,” he said.

Police detain 2 suspected ATM debit card fraudsters in Enugu, recover exhibits

The Police Command in Enugu State has detained two suspected Automated Teller Machine (ATM) debit card swappers and fraudsters, recovering exhibits from them.

This is contained in a statement by the Command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, on Wednesday in Enugu.

Ndukwe said that operatives of the command attached to the Central Police Station, Enugu on  May 11 at about 10:50a.m., rescued and detained two male suspects from an angry mob.

He noted that they were allegedly caught engaging in ATM debit card swapping and fraud at a commercial bank at Okpara Avenue, Enugu.

The spokesman said that the suspects included:  Timothy Onyeka, 34 and Philip Nwankwo, 32.

“Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspects allegedly swapped the ATM debit card of a female victim while pretending to assist her in carrying out a transaction at the ATM point.

“The victim reportedly raised the alarm, leading to the immediate arrest and lynching of the suspects by an angry mob before police operatives swiftly intervened, rescued and rearrested them.

“A TVS tricycle allegedly used in carrying out the criminal activity and the victim’s swapped ATM debit card were recovered from the suspects, who confessed to the crime.

“They will be arraigned in court once investigations are concluded,” he said.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, reiterated the command’s commitment to sustaining efforts against all forms of financial and cyber-related crimes in the state.

He urged residents to desist from taking the law into their hands by assaulting suspects, but instead promptly hand them over to the police for lawful investigation and prosecution.

82 Division lauds Ezeagu Traditional Rulers for Condemning Attack on Troops in Imezi-Owa community

The Headquarters 82 Division Nigerian Army has lauded the Ezeagu Local Government Area (LGA) Traditional Rulers’ Council for condemning attack on troops in Imezi-Owa community in Ezeagu council area of Enugu State recently.

The Division also commended the leadership of the traditional rulers for their firm stand in support of truth, peace and security.

This is contained in a statement issued by the acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations in the Division, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, on Sunday in Enugu.

Ayeni said that the Division wished to draw public attention to the communique issued by the Ezeagu Council of Traditional Rulers on May 8, 2026.

He said that the communique was signed by Igwe Emmanuel Anichebe and Igwe Rapheal Okolo, who are the Chairman and the Secretary of the Council respectively.

The army spokesman said that in the communique, the Council unequivocally condemned the unlawful attack on military personnel at Imezi-Owa community, Ezeagu LGA, Enugu State.

“The position by the traditional institution reinforces the earlier release by the Division on May 8, 2026, which shed light on how troops of Sector 1, Operation UDO KA successfully repelled the attack by armed terrorists on May 6.

“The Council expressed deep concern over the incident, condemned the actions of the attackers, called for thorough investigation, and urged the people of Ezeagu to continue supporting the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police, and other security agencies.

“The traditional rulers also commended the Government of Enugu State for its commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

“The communique further emphasised that lasting peace can only be achieved through unity between traditional institutions, government, and security agencies,” he said.

Ayeni noted that the communique demonstrated the importance of civil–military relations, which remained vital in defeating criminal elements and consolidating peace in the South-East.

He urged the people of Ezeagu and environs to expose saboteurs providing criminal elements’ safe havens, adding that such actions undermine collective security and development of the communities.

“The Division also view this communique as a strong validation of its operational stance.

“The communique is a clear message to the public that the Nigerian Army is acting in collaboration with community stakeholders to restore peace and security in its Area of Operations.

“The general public is hereby assured that no life was lost during the incident, injured personnel are receiving the best medical care.

“Ongoing operation EASTERN SANITY will continue to dismantle terrorists’ infrastructures in order to deny them freedom of action and build on the peace already achieved in the South-East region,” he said.

The army spokesman urged law-abiding citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and resist attempts by criminal elements and their sympathisers to distort facts or undermine public confidence in the military.

Ayeni also reiterated the Division’s unwavering resolve to protect lives, property, and Nigeria’s sovereignty, ensuring that Enugu State and the entire South-East remained safe for residents and investors.

Troops foil ambush attack during patrol in Enugu community, detain suspect, recover items

The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army says troops of Sector 1, Operation UDO KA, on intelligence-led patrol mission to Imezi-Owa community, Ezeagu Local Government Area in Enugu State foiled an ambush attack.

The Division said that the troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, foiled the attack by suspected terrorists of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN).

The Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 82 Division, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Enugu.

Ayeni said that the patrol on May 6 was a follow-up to the trailing of terrorist collaborators in the community.

He said that while troops were advancing on foot to the community, they were attacked from a building, resulting in injuries to three personnel.

According to him, in spite of the attack, troops maintained operational dominance, foiled the attack and secured the general area, while the injured personnel were promptly evacuated.

The army spokesman said that the wounded personnel are currently receiving treatment at a military medical facility.

He said, “During the exchange of fire, Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) stored by the terrorists in the building used as their hideout; detonated, and triggered a fire outbreak that destroyed the hideout.

“Subsequent searches around the general area uncovered more IEDs, improvised hand grenades and shrine used for ritual activities.

“The shrine was thoroughly combed and destroyed. This is to prevent continued usage for criminal activities and to safeguard the community members.

“One collaborator was apprehended during the exploitation around the general area. The detained suspect and recovered items have been handed over to the Nigerian Police, Ezeagu Division, for further investigation.”

Ayeni reassured the general public that ongoing operations are conducted with utmost professionalism and a firm commitment to protecting lives and property.

He called on law abiding citizens of Imezi-Owa  community and its environs to remain calm, desist from harbouring criminal elements and cooperate with security agencies.

“Headquarters Joint Task Force South-East operation UDO KA hereby warn members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN and their sympathisers to desist from illegal activities or face the full consequences of their actions as usual.

“Security forces remain resolute in their determination to build the peace in the region and will continue to dismantle criminal networks and deny terrorists any freedom of action,” he added.

Police constable recruitment applicants sit for exam April 28-30 in Enugu

Police Command in Enugu State says there will be written examination for successful candidates from the physical and credentials screening in the ongoing Police Constables Recruitment from April 28 to April 30.

The Command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement on Sunday in Enugu, said that the Police Service Commission and the Nigeria Police Force had scheduled the examination to be held for three days in Enugu.

Ndukwe said that the examination, which is for both General Duty and Specialist applicants, would take place at the Police Detective College, Agbani Road, Enugu.

According to him, successful applicants are advised to visit www.npfapplication.psc.gov.ng to print their Examination Invitation Card, which contains the specific date and time of the examination.

“Applicants, who earlier printed invitation slips indicating April 27, 2026 as their examination date, are advised to revisit the portal and reprint the Card to reflect the correct examination dates,” he said.

He said that candidates are required to come to the examination venue with a pen, National Identification Number (NIN) Slip from NIMC, bearing a clear photograph and printed Examination Invitation Card.

The spokesman said that the candidates must appear on shorts, T-shirt and canvas shoes, all white.

Ndukwe reiterated the Police Service Commission’s warning that the recruitment process is completely free of charge, and cautions applicants to beware of job racketeers, scammers, or any form of financial inducement.

“Anyone found engaging in such illegal acts will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he said.

Enugu CP Appoints CSP Imo As Commander New VCRU Unit, Cautions Against Rights Violation

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Mamman Giwa, has appointed CSP Henry Imo as the Commander of the new Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the police command.

The commissioner announced the appointment on Saturday in Enugu after operatives of the new unit ended an intensive training in human rights, as well as social and emotional intelligence.

The state police boss also announced ASP Ebenezer Godwin as the unit’s State Media Liaison Officer.

He said that the new unit was created in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Olatunji Disu.

“The VCRU, a brainchild of the IGP, has, among other responsibilities, the core mandate of investigating, responding to, and suppressing violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, and other related offences through strictly intelligence-driven operations.

“The unit is also expected to operate at all times in full compliance with constitutional provisions, the Nigeria Police Act 2020, and applicable international human rights standards.

“The unit will remain accountable and serving as a bridge of trust between the Nigeria Police Force and the public.

“The former Crack Tactical Squad Base at Golf Estate, Enugu, along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, has been designated as the operational base of the unit,” he said.

The commissioner said that operatives of the unit had undergone intensive training to enhance professionalism and guide their relationships with members of the public.

He noted that a dedicated Complaint Response Desk had also been established for the Unit, with 08039382015 provided for members of the public to report complaints against personnel of the unit.

“Pending the formal unveiling of the unit by the IGP, I charge the unit’s operatives to remain guided by its core mandates and clearly defined standard operating procedures.

“The command is reassuring residents of Enugu State of its unwavering commitment to tackling violent crimes and solicited the continued support and cooperation of the public,” the commissioner said.

Enugu CP Orders Adequate Security Coverage At JAMB-CBT Centres

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Mamman Giwa, has ordered deployment of adequate personnel to approved centres for 2026 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Computer-Based Test (CBT) across the state.

The commissioner, who issued the directive through the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, on Wednesday in Enugu, also ordered deployment of operational and intelligence resources to the CBT centres.

The JAMB-CBT Test for its Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) would run for 10 days, between April 16 and April 25.

The state police noted that the deployment was in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji  Disu.

The commissioner said that the deployment was meant to ensure a safe and conducive environment for candidates, examination officials, and other stakeholders throughout the examination period.

“Deployed operatives have been directed to remain professional, courteous and firm in preventing examination malpractice, disorderly conduct, and any security breaches.

“They are also to collaborate with other security agencies to effectively secure the centres, their surroundings and access routes,” he said.

The commissioner urged candidates, parents, guardians, and the public to cooperate with security personnel and comply with all guidelines for a smooth exercise.

He reassured residents of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, and encouraged the prompt reporting of suspicious persons or activities via 08032003702, 08086671202, 112, 09134666668, or 09134448093.