…. 12 Suspected Cultists Arrested in Jesse

The Delta State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its ongoing operations against violent crimes across the state, with the death of two suspected kidnappers following a gun duel and the arrest of 12 suspected cultists in Jesse.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Edafe Bright, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, directed operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) to intensify intelligence-led operations after a series of reported kidnapping and armed robbery incidents around the Upper Agbarho axis of Ughelli and its environs.

Acting on credible intelligence, the team led by ASP Julius Robinson extended its investigation to Rivers and Imo States, where two suspects, Abubakar Musa (28) of Ajase town, Kwara State, and Yusuf Sale (25) of Rimin-Zayam town, Bauchi State, were arrested in Port Harcourt and Owerri on October 2 and 4, 2025, respectively.

During interrogation, the suspects led operatives to a bush between Upper Agbarho and Oviri-Ogor communities in Ughelli North LGA, where the police recovered one AK-47 rifle with two magazines and 43 rounds of live ammunition, one pump-action gun, and a locally made pistol.

However, while exiting the area, the operatives came under heavy gunfire from other members of the gang who attempted to rescue their arrested accomplices. A fierce exchange ensued, resulting in gunshot injuries to both the suspects in custody and some of their collaborators. Two police operatives also sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment. The injured suspects were taken to the hospital but were confirmed dead while receiving medical attention.

Meanwhile, in a separate operation targeting cult-related violence, operatives of the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU), acting on intelligence on October 5, 2025, raided a hideout along Sylvester Street, Jesse Town, Ethiope West LGA. The location was allegedly being used as an assembly point for cultists before attacks on rival groups.

During the raid, 12 suspects, including Mudiaga Obey (20), were arrested, and a Beretta pistol with one live round of ammunition was recovered.

SP Edafe Bright assured that the Command remains resolute in its mission to rid Delta State of criminal elements and restore peace across all communities, adding that investigations are ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of the kidnap gang and other accomplices.

…. Justice Galumje, DIG Lakanu in Wudil to put commission’s whistle-blowing policy on recruitment to test.

The Police Service Commission has sent a strong delegation to Kano to supervise the screening and processes for the 2025 Police Academy (POLAC) admission, which begins in Wudil, Kano, today, Monday, October 6th 2025.

Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court, who is representing the Judiciary in the Commission and DIG Taiwo Lakanu, fdc, who is representing the Police and Chairman of the PSC Standing Committee on Police Matter,s are leading the strong delegation.

According to a press release on Monday, October 6th 2025, signed by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission, a few days ago, unveiled a Policy on whistleblowing on recruitment processes and vowed to ensure that offenders are brought to book.

The Commission has warned that it will use the Polac admission processes to test run this Policy and will deal with any person or persons, no matter how highly placed, who falls victim to the dictates of the Policy.

Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd) mni, appeals to all parties participating in the ongoing Polac admission screening to play by the rules to avoid facing the wrath of the Commission.

The PSC Chairman said the Commission is poised to sanitise Police recruitment in the country, which includes admission into Polac, so that the Police will be proud of the products that will be sent to them.

He assured that the Commission will continue to carry along all relevant stakeholders in the search for a clean and credible recruitment process.

DIG Argungu advised state governments to show more interest in the ongoing Polac admission processes to protect their quota. He noted that the Commission will continue to stand for inclusivity in its management of Police personnel and called for understanding as it rejigs the system for better results.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 7 Headquarters, AIG Victor Olaiya, psc(+), has commended the Niger State Police Command for its unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state.

AIG Olaiya gave the commendation during his familiarisation visit to the Command, where he praised the Commissioner of Police and his officers for their dedication and professionalism, which he said have contributed immensely to the state’s relative tranquillity.

According to a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, ASP Halima Mohammed, he also lauded the Niger State Government for its continuous support to the Nigeria Police Force, particularly in enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Command.

While addressing officers, AIG Olaiya emphasised the importance of strict enforcement of laws regulating the use of tinted vehicle permits. He, however, cautioned that such enforcement must not be used as an avenue for extortion or intimidation of citizens.

The AIG further charged police personnel to always prioritise their personal safety while performing their duties, noting that an officer must remain alive and healthy to effectively safeguard lives and property.

Conveying the assurances of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, AIG Olaiya reiterated that the Force leadership remains committed to improving the welfare of police personnel across the country. He stated that the ongoing welfare reforms are designed to provide officers with the necessary support and motivation to efficiently discharge their constitutional duties.

He stressed that discipline remains the bedrock of effective policing and urged officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. AIG Olaiya also called for collective efforts in combating crime and ensuring public safety in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police.

He reaffirmed the commitment of Zone 7 Headquarters to supporting all commands under its supervision in achieving the core mandate of the Nigeria Police Force. the protection of lives and property.

The Enugu State Police Command has recorded fresh operational successes in its sustained efforts to combat armed robbery and related crimes across the state. The latest breakthroughs include the arrest of two suspects, the recovery of firearms, and a motorcycle in two separate operations.

According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, on Monday, October 6, 2025, operatives attached to Nenwe and Owelle-Court Divisions, in collaboration with members of the Neighbourhood Watch and Forest Guards, arrested Okonkwo Chukwuebuka (27) for armed robbery, while his accomplice escaped.

Preliminary investigations revealed that on **September 30, 2025**, the suspect and his fleeing partner boarded a commercial motorcycle in Nenwe community, Aninri Local Government Area, and later robbed the rider at gunpoint. Security operatives intercepted them during their escape attempt, leading to the recovery of one cut-to-size gun and the snatched motorcycle.

In a separate operation, operatives of the Command’s Octopus Squad arrested another suspect, Ibe Christian (27), on September 28, 2025, at about 10:00 a.m., following actionable intelligence. A locally fabricated Beretta-like pistol and a dagger were recovered from him. Discreet investigations into both cases are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigations.

The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, commended the professionalism and teamwork displayed by the operatives and security stakeholders involved in the operations. He also urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to continue to provide credible information to the Police to help sustain the fight against crime in the state.

….. Declares open UNODC, ECOWAS backed workshop on NDCMP 2026-2030, tasks MDAs, stakeholders

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has charged all stakeholders involved in the ongoing development of the next National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP 2026-2030) to ensure that the strategy document addresses new and emerging threats that sustain the illicit drug trade in Nigeria.

According to a press release on Monda,y 6th October 2025, signed by the NDLEA Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, Marwa gave the admonition on Monday 6th October 2025 in Niger state in his opening remarks at a five-day workshop to develop the fifth National Drug Control Master Plan for the country. The residential retreat is funded by the ECOWAS Commission and supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

According to the NDLEA boss, “The task before us over the next few days is both strategic and historic. The drug problem continues to evolve, and so must our response. The NDCMP 2026–2030 must be visionary yet practical; comprehensive yet targeted; and nationally owned yet regionally and globally aligned. It must build on the achievements of the past while boldly addressing new and emerging threats, from synthetic drugs to dark-web trafficking, from poly-substance use to the illicit financial flows that sustain the drug trade.”

He reminded all the stakeholders that the workshop offers the rare opportunity to deliberate, analyse and agree on strategic priorities that will shape the trajectory of Nigeria’s response for the next five years. “It is here that we will identify what has worked, acknowledge the gaps, and design innovative pathways for the future”, he added.

He urged all participants to bring to bear their expertise, experience and commitment, adding that the workshop is not just about producing another document but about charting a collective vision to safeguard the health, security and wellbeing of Nigerians.

He reaffirmed the Agency’s readiness to provide leadership, coordination and technical support to ensure that the new Master Plan is not only developed but also effectively implemented. “I also pledge that we will continue to strengthen collaboration with our partners, both within Nigeria and across the ECOWAS sub-region, for we know that the drug challenge recognises no borders”, he stated.

He thanked ECOWAS Commission “for sponsoring this workshop, and all our partners — the European Union, UNODC, civil society organisations, professional bodies and the private sector — for their continued collaboration. Together, we are shaping a future where Nigeria and West Africa will be safer, healthier and more secure.”

Speaking at the workshop, UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Ousmane who was represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga commended Nigeria’s drug control efforts so far. “Yet, we are all aware that the drug situation continues to evolve. Global and regional dynamics — whether related to new psychoactive substances, organized crime networks, or the impact of conflict and economic pressures — all shape local realities. Our response must therefore be adaptive, coordinated, and inclusive. The Master Plan is the instrument through which this can happen.

“This workshop offers a unique opportunity to review the draft chapters, harmonize perspectives, and ensure that the priorities identified reflect both national realities and international standards, including those enshrined in the three international drug control conventions, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control”, he stated.

While commending the leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Federal Ministry of Health, as well as all members of the inter-agency working groups, for the dedication and expertise they bring to the process, he said that their work will serve as a compass for coordinated action over the coming years.

Also speaking during the opening ceremony of the workshop, ECOWAS Commission Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Prof Fatou Sow Sarr represented by Dr. Daniel Amankwaah noted that Nigeria, as a key stakeholder in regional drug control efforts, has taken proactive steps to develop national strategies aligned with international best practices.

“The Nigeria’s current National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) will expire this year and a new plan needs to be developed to address the emerging drug threats, trafficking patterns, and the increasing burden of substance use disorders. The new NDCMP will effectively respond to current and future drug-related challenges.

“The ECOWAS Commission, in line with its mandate to support Member States in addressing drug-related issues, is providing technical and financial assistance to Nigeria in the elaboration of the new NDCMP. This initiative aligns with the objectives of the ECOWAS Drug Prevention and Control Programme and the broader regional efforts to strengthen drug demand and supply reduction mechanisms.

“This support is a strategic step toward strengthening Nigeria’s drug control framework and aligning it with regional and international best practices. The ECOWAS Commission remains committed to supporting Nigeria in this effort, ensuring that the new National Drug Control Master Plan is robust, evidence-based, and effectively addresses the country’s drug-related challenges”, the ECOWAS Commission chief assured.

Other stakeholders who spoke at the ceremony include representatives of the Federal Ministries of Education, Health, Agriculture, Budget and Planning as well as NACA, NAFDAC, EFCC, and NFIU.