Crime
Troops Capture Boko Haram Commanders, Logistic Suppliers, Rescue Victims
In a decisive move in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations, troops of the Nigerian Army (NA) have captured suspected Boko Haram commanders and arrested terrorist logistic suppliers and collaborators.
Biztellers reports that the NA also secured the surrender of several terrorists and released victims to their families.
In a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Wednesday morning, the NA stated that troops have successfully rescued kidnap victims from various locations and recovered looted items from hoodlums posing as protesters.
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The NA accounted for the exploits thus, “On 4 August 2024 in Borno State, while acting on credible intelligence regarding terrorists’ movements, troops apprehended two Boko Haram commanders who infiltrated the Damasak Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Mobbar Local Government Area. The suspects, Bana Yamode and Babagana Usman, who claimed to be visiting their families in the camp, had previously led attacks on troops in the area. The troops also apprehended two suspected Boko Haram logistic suppliers, Mallam Mustapha Ismaila (49 years) and Abdulmudalabi Haruna (30 years old) and rescued two minors during the operations. Meanwhile, 50 Boko Haram suspects and their families have surrendered to troops stationed in Bama, Gwoza, and Dikwa Local Government Areas. The surrendering came at the heels of upscaled operations against the terrorists.
In another operation in Yobe State on 4 August 2024, three Boko Haram collaborators were arrested at Gubio Market in Gubio Local Government Area. During preliminary investigation, the suspects admitted to being involved in kidnapping and armed robbery activities in the general area. Items recovered from the suspects include two motorcycles and several mobile phones.
In Kogi State, troops arrested a notorious kidnapping kingpin in Egbe Community of Yagba Local Government Area. The suspect, Mohammed Bello, who belonged to a seven-man syndicate specialized in kidnapping unsuspecting citizens, has been on the security agencies’ wanted criminals’ watchlist. The same troops responded to a distress call regarding a kidnapping incident involving the former Chairman of Kabba Local Government Area. They engaged the terrorists in Egbe Forest, capturing one suspect and rescuing the victim. He has since been reunited with his family.
Relatedly, troops in Ebonyi State responded to a distress call about a kidnap incident in Ezza-Umuhuali Village of Ishielu Local Government Area. The troops aborted the kidnap attempt and arrested a suspect in possession of an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card, 48 different International passports, and other assorted items.
Troops deployed in Jigawa State have also arrested nine hoodlums involved in looting a shop in Kazaure town. Troops recovered items, including 255 bags of fertilizer, 3 bags of rice, a solar panel, and five motorcycles from the looters.
In a similar development in Plateau State, troops arrested five suspected cultists and recovered a locally made pistol and a cartridge. The troops also apprehended a suspect involved in motorcycle theft at Kara Market in Jos North Local Government area.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has commended the troops for their commitment in the ongoing fight against terrorism, insurgency and sundry crimes. He noted that the successes achieved in capturing key Boko Haram commanders, arresting their logistic suppliers, rescuing kidnapped victims, and recovering looted items from hoodlums are highly commendable.
These operations demonstrate the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Army in restoring peace and security in our nation. We urge spirited members of the public to support the security agencies by providing credible information to enhance the effectiveness of ongoing operations.
Crime
Ondo Shock: 23-Year-Old Son Allegedly Hacks 60-Year-Old Mother to Death
A 23-year-old man, identified as Samuel Akoade, has been arrested by the Ondo State Police Command for allegedly hacking his 60-year-old mother, Olufunke Amoo, to death in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the deceased’s residence in the Powerline area along the Ore–Okitipupa Road.
The incident reportedly caused panic in the community after the woman was discovered dead with deep machete wounds.
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According to a police source, preliminary investigations indicated that the deceased had been attacked with a cutlass, allegedly by her son. The motive for the alleged killing remains unknown.
Following a report of the incident, operatives of the Ore Division were deployed to the scene, where they secured the area and recovered a machete suspected to have been used in the attack.
The suspect reportedly fled the scene before the arrival of the police but was later arrested after a manhunt was launched.
The remains of the deceased were subsequently deposited at the morgue of the General Hospital, Ore.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Akure, for further investigation.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, had ordered a thorough and professional investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that justice is served.
The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information about suspicious activities in their communities.
Crime
Kogi Man Allegedly Sets Wife Ablaze After She Burnt His Clothes
A man identified as Jacob Irewa has been arrested by the Kogi State Police Command for allegedly setting his wife, Berida Irawo, ablaze following a domestic disagreement in Lokoja.
The incident occurred on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Oworo Estate, Felele, Lokoja.
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According to the state police spokesperson, ASP Salisu Afusat, the B Division Surveillance Team, Felele, received a report of the incident at about 8:30pm and immediately mobilised to the scene, where the suspect was arrested.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the dispute started after the victim allegedly burnt some of her husband’s clothes which she believed he was no longer using, without his permission.
The police said the suspect subsequently threatened his wife, fetched petrol from his motorcycle and allegedly set her ablaze.
The victim survived the attack and is currently receiving treatment at Honey Gold Hospital, Felele.
Afusat said the suspect, during interrogation, admitted to setting his wife ablaze, adding that the command had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, condemned the alleged attack and reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for violence, particularly domestic violence.
He urged members of the public to resolve domestic disputes through lawful means and avoid actions capable of endangering lives.
The police said Irewa would be charged to court for prosecution after the conclusion of investigations.
Crime
Enugu Church Attack: Three Suspected Kidnappers Arrested, Four AK-47s Recovered
Three suspected members of a notorious kidnapping gang allegedly linked to the August 2 attack on St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Inoyi-Affa, in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, have been arrested by security operatives.
The suspects were apprehended during a joint operation involving the Department of State Services, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Enugu State Forest Guard and other security personnel.
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One suspected kidnapper was reportedly killed during a gun battle with the security forces, while four AK-47 rifles and ammunition were recovered from the gang.
The development was disclosed on Monday night when Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, visited the state DSS headquarters to inspect the arrested suspects.
Representing the governor, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said two of the three victims abducted during the August 2 attack had regained their freedom.
The victims, identified as Seminarian Lawrence Igbo and Emmanuel Onwudi, reportedly identified the arrested suspects as the individuals who abducted them.
“There was one fatality in this process. It was one of the criminals that died in the process of apprehending them,” Onyia said.
He added that the arrested suspects would face the full weight of the law.
The SSG said the state government would continue to strengthen its security architecture and collaborate with security agencies to prevent criminal activities across Enugu State.
He warned criminal elements that the state would not provide a safe haven for their activities.
Onyia also cautioned residents against assisting or providing information to criminal groups, stressing that anyone found collaborating with such groups would be investigated and prosecuted.
“We will find you also, just as we have found these people, and we will prosecute you as part of this evil operation and this evil syndicate,” he warned.
The SSG commended the DSS, Nigerian Army, Police, Enugu State Forest Guard and other security agencies for their efforts in apprehending the suspects and recovering the weapons.
He further assured residents that investigations were ongoing and that the government would continue to pursue those involved in criminal activities in the state.





