The Nigeria Police Force has commenced a coordinated operation to rescue a Kebbi State High Court judge, Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, who was abducted by suspected bandits in Bunza Local Government Area of the state.

Justice Bunza was said to have been kidnapped about midnight Saturday when gunmen stormed his residence along Zogirma Road shortly after he returned from a trip to Sokoto State.

SP Bashir Usman, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Command, confirmed the incident, saying the command responded immediately after receiving a distress report.

He disclosed that the state commissioner of police, CP Umar Muhammad Hadejia, had ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence operatives to ensure the judge’s safe rescue.

He said security personnel have launched intensive search operations in identified flashpoints including nearby forests suspected to be possible hideouts of the kidnappers.

“Our personnel are busy combing the identified locations, including forest areas, to ensure that the judge is rescued alive and unharmed,” Usman said.

Sources close to the incident said the gunmen broke into the judge’s house shortly after he arrived from Sokoto and shot sporadically before taking him away. No one in his family was hurt in the attack.

The incident was immediately reported to the security agencies and the leadership of the Kebbi State High Court.

Meanwhile, a senior official of the Kebbi State High Court who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, described the abduction as a painful development for the judiciary.

He disclosed that the High Court’s management had met with the heads of the state’s security agencies to bolster efforts to secure the judge’s immediate release.

As of the time of filing this report, no group had taken responsibility for the abduction.

Authorities said rescue operations were under way.

Earlier, a source in the neighborhood, who also asked not to be named, said no one in the house was hurt, but the assailants fired sporadically into the air before taking the judge away.

Matawalle Charges Troops to Kill Terrorists Without Mercy

“On his part, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, directed all military formations engaged in counter-terrorism operations in the North-West to step up efforts against armed groups, urging troops to deploy every lawful and necessary measure to eliminate terrorists.

Matawalle gave the directive in a statement issued on Sunday by his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmed Dan-Wudil, while sympathizing with victims of recent terrorist attacks in Zamfara.

The minister sympathized with residents of Bungudu and other affected communities, assuring them that the Federal Government remains committed to restoring peace and security despite the recent upsurge in attacks across parts of the North-West.

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Matawalle also charged the leadership of Operation Fansan Yamma to sustain their resoluteness in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign in collaboration with other security agencies operating in the region.

He directed Operation Fansan Yamma and all military formations deployed in Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto and Kaduna states to scale up operations using all lawful and necessary means to dismantle terrorist networks through targeted military operations.

The minister also urged traditional rulers and community leaders to assist security agencies with credible and timely intelligence, especially on persons suspected to be aiding terrorists with information or logistic support used to attack rural communities.

He also ordered senior military commanders in the most volatile operational areas to tighten surveillance and increase patrols to locate and destroy terrorist hideouts and safe havens before they can be used to launch further attacks.

A former governor of Zamfara State, Matawalle, commended the Armed Forces and other security personnel for their gallantry, professionalism and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.

He particularly commended recent operations that led to the neutralisation of several suspected terrorists in Gummi, Bukkuyum, Anka, Tsafe, Faskari and other locations.

The minister called on troops to sustain the momentum and keep the pressure on terrorist groups until insecurity is brought to an end across all affected parts of the country.

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The Police Force Headquarters in Abuja has dismissed as fake news and deliberate misrepresentation of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, reports that he ordered police personnel to “shoot anyone with illegal firearms”.

The IGP did not issue such a directive during a meeting with stakeholders in Makurdi, Benue State, Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this.

In a statement, Iniedu said the IGP’s remarks at the meeting had been misrepresented to the public.
The FPRO said while the IGP only reminded officers that only duly authorised security personnel are allowed by law to bear firearms, he also drew attention to the growing proliferation of illegal weapons used by criminals to perpetrate kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, cult-related violence and other serious crimes.

He said that the Inspector-General had stated that the use of firearms by police officers was strictly governed by Force Order 237, which set out the lawful circumstances under which police officers could use firearms in the execution of their duties.

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The statement said that the IGP underscored the importance of officers operating within the confines of the law and following the approved rules on the use of force.
“There was no ‘shoot-on-sight’ order from the Inspector-General. “At no time did he order officers to shoot anyone just because they were found in possession of an illegal firearm,” the statement said.

The Force reiterated its commitment to protecting the lives, rights and freedom of all Nigerians, adding that police personnel are expected to discharge their responsibilities professionally, lawfully and with the full respect for human rights and the Constitution.

It also called on media organisations and the public to verify security-related information before publishing or circulating it, warning that inaccurate reports could generate unnecessary panic, misinform the public and undermine public confidence in security institutions.

The release also urged the public to watch the entire video of the Inspector-General’s speech, saying it correctly reflects what he said and places it in the proper context.

The Force reiterated its commitment to enforce the law in a fair, professional manner and within the confines of the Constitution and other extant Laws.

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Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, working alongside personnel of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force, have successfully foiled an attempted mass abduction by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) in Monguno, Borno State.

The Nigerian military disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni.

According to the statement, the attack occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Saturday when the suspected terrorists stormed the school premises. The FGGC facility is currently being used by the Borno State Government as a temporary hostel for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno.

The military revealed that the attackers allegedly gained access to the school with the assistance of suspected collaborators, with the apparent aim of abducting students. However, vigilant security personnel on duty quickly detected the threat and responded with coordinated firepower, preventing the terrorists from carrying out their mission.

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Operation HADIN KAI said troops of the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force (QRF) swiftly reinforced the security team, overwhelming the attackers with superior combat strength. Faced with fierce resistance from the combined military and police personnel, the terrorists abandoned their operation and fled the scene without abducting any student.

Although the exchange of gunfire caused damage to parts of the school infrastructure, security forces successfully contained the attack and secured the area.

Following the operation, all 46 students in the facility were safely rescued and evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno, where they received immediate medical examinations and appropriate care. The military confirmed that every rescued student was medically stable and that no abduction took place.

However, the operation was not without tragedy. The military disclosed that some students lost their lives after being struck by sporadic gunfire fired by the fleeing terrorists during the confrontation. It expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls.

Operation HADIN KAI further stated that investigations are underway to identify and apprehend suspected collaborators believed to have aided the attackers. Troops, supported by other security agencies, are also pursuing the fleeing terrorists to ensure they are brought to justice.

Reaffirming its commitment to restoring lasting peace across the North-East, the military pledged to sustain relentless operations against terrorist groups, dismantle their operational networks, and safeguard schools, public institutions, and communities from future attacks. It also assured residents that security agencies remain vigilant and determined to deny terrorists the freedom to threaten lives and disrupt education in the region.

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A Lagos Magistrate Court has granted bail of ₦500,000 to TikTok content creator, Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, and his accomplice, Bello Oladipo, who were arraigned over an allegation of obstructing police officers during an operation.

The report said the pair pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them by the Lagos State Police Command and were granted bail by the court.

They were required to provide two sureties, one of whom must be a blood relative.

The court further directed them to produce their tax clearance documents for two years before the bail conditions could be fulfilled.

The case was then adjourned to 11th August for further hearing.

Linda Ikeji reports that the charges against Peller and Oladipo were brought after an occurrence on July 2 along Coastal Road, Lekki, Lagos, when police officers allegedly stopped the TikTok star over a car said to be driving without number plates.

It was reported that Peller told the officers that the vehicle was newly bought, but the officers insisted he should follow them to the station.

Things then took a turn for the worse when the content creator started recording the interaction with his phone.

The TikTok personality later accused the officers of acting aggressively during the incident, but the police command dismissed the claims and filed charges against him and his associate.

The pair are also charged with resisting police officers, preventing officers from carrying out their duties and acting in a manner which could lead to a breach of the peace.

The post Peller Granted N500,000 Bail After Arraignment Over Alleged Threats To Police Officers appeared first on TheNigerian.

The Osun State Police Command, in a bid to reinforce security across the state, has launched an enforcement exercise across the state against vehicles and motorcycles operating with covered, obscured, defaced, concealed, unauthorised, or unregistered number plates.

The operation, the Command said was in response to a directive given by the Inspector-General of Police to enhance public safety and to prevent criminals from exploiting anonymity to carry out unlawful activities.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, in a statement on Tuesday in Osogbo, said the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ibrahim Gotan, had ordered that all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and officers on the field, should impound offending vehicles and carry out detailed investigations in accordance with extant laws.

“The exercise is targeted at enhancing security, improving public safety and denying criminal elements the anonymity that is often exploited in the commission of crimes,” the statement read.

Police said the enforcement would also target vehicles with fake, improperly issued, altered or other unauthorized registration number plates warning that such violations would not be tolerated.

“The command has therefore directed the motorist, transport operators, fleet owners and members of the public to ensure that all their vehicles are duly registered with valid registration number plates that are clearly visible at all times,” the statement added.

The statement added that the operation was not aimed at inconveniencing law-abiding citizens, but to enhance the capability of law enforcement agencies in identifying vehicles, investigating crimes and tracking down criminal suspects across the state.

“This exercise is not designed to harass law abiding residents but to improve the capability of law enforcement agencies to identify vehicles, investigate crimes, track criminal suspects and boost the overall security architecture of Osun State,” the police said.

The Command re-affirmed its commitment to the protection of lives and property and urged residents to adhere to the directive, providing credible and timely information to security agencies.

It said the officers deployed for the enforcement exercise had been directed to conduct themselves professionally, courteously and strictly within the ambit of the law.

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The Zamfara State Police Command has stepped up its fight against public disturbance and reckless riding of motorcycles with the arrest of 21 suspects and recovery of 20 motorcycles in a joint operation in Gusau Local Government Area.

The operation was launched following persistent complaints by residents of Birnin Ruwa, Tullukawa and Yar Gada communities on the activities of youths popularly known as “Arlet Boys” who were accused of carrying out dangerous motorcycle stunts and other disruptive acts that threatened public peace and safety.

The Command said the raids were carried out on June 7, 2026 about 7.30p.m on identified criminal hideouts and black spots in the affected communities. Police operatives arrested 21 suspects and also recovered 20 motorcycles believed to have been used in the alleged disturbances.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the development and told journalists during a press briefing that the suspects were undergoing screening and investigation.

“The operation will continue to rid the affected communities of criminal elements and ensure safety of lives and property,” he said.

Abubakar further said that anyone found culpable after the investigation would be prosecuted according to the law.

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The Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Delta State, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has cautioned Nigerians against mounting pressure on the police and other security agencies to pardon or release suspected criminals.

Such interventions were shameful and could undermine the fight against crime in the country, said Adejobi, a former Nigeria Police Force spokesperson.

He said this in a post on his official 𝕏 handle on Monday adding that whoever asks for a criminal to escape justice should also be considered criminal.

Adejobi said he would not entertain appeals from persons seeking the release or pardon of persons accused of crime.

He said his stand on crime and criminality was firm and that any attempt to influence security agencies in favour of suspected criminals would not work.

“I always maintain my principles and position on fighting crime and criminality. Don’t waste your time writing to me begging for a criminal. “It’s a disgrace and it’s not going to end well,” he wrote.

The senior police officer also warned that those who pressure law enforcement agencies to turn a blind eye to criminal acts were part of the problem.

Also, anyone begging and putting pressure on the police and security agencies to release or pardon a criminal or to overlook a crime is also a criminal,” he added.

He also urged the country’s security architecture and the citizenry to remain resolute in the fight against crimes and social vices.

He says criminality can be combatted with firmness from law enforcement agencies and members of the public.

“No ifs, ands, or buts. We need to stand firm, be resolute to curbing crimes and vices in our society, collectively,” he said.

Adejobi insisted that no one should be above the law, and alleged criminals should be left to face the law without interference.

The post Stop Pleading for Criminals, Adejobi Warns Nigerians appeared first on TheNigerian.

Niger State Police Command has arrested ten suspected robbers and thugs in a crackdown on criminal gangs operating in parts of Minna. Dangerous weapons and suspected cannabis were recovered from the suspects.

The arrests followed different intelligence-led patrols and raid operations conducted by police officers in collaboration with local vigilance groups.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun disclosed this in a statement on Friday, adding that three suspects were arrested while they were allegedly trying to rob passengers in a tricycle along the Kwari-Begger/Maitumbi axis of Minna.

He said that on June 4, operatives of the Tactical Support Team were on routine patrol when they spotted a group of armed youths with cutlasses and knives.

They were immediately arrested and identified as Sadiq Ibrahim, 25, Abdulazeez Ahmed, 25 and Ibrahim Abdullahi, 26, all from Kwari-Begger, Maitumbi.

The suspects, he added, confessed during interrogation that they intended to dispossess passengers of their phones and other valuables. Two cutlasses and a jackknife were recovered from the suspects.

In a related development, police operatives attached to Central Police Station, in conjunction with some vigilante members raided criminal hideouts around PZ area, Sabon-Gari, Abdulsalam Quarters, Tayi Village and Seyeno on June 2.

During the raid, seven other suspects were also arrested and two sharp curved weapons and quantities of suspected cannabis were recovered.

All the suspects are now in police custody and under further investigation, a police spokesman said.

He added that the command also arrested one Abubakar Alfa a suspect for alleged possession of a locally made pistol and cutlass at a public function in Katcha.

The suspect was arrested on June 1 by operatives attached to Katcha Division after he failed to give satisfactory explanation for being in possession of the weapon.

He has since been moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Minna for further investigation.

Also, the police recovered an abandoned Volkswagen vehicle with registration number KUJ 113 SB along the Suleja – Minna Road.

Abiodun said the vehicle was abandoned for three days before it was moved to the station for safe keeping and investigation by police operatives from Paiko Division with the assistance of members of the community.

The command said efforts are still on to arrest other members of the robbery syndicate and unravel circumstances surrounding the abandoned vehicle.

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The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a chef, John Cosmos Govi, for allegedly being involved in a burglary operation at a residence in Abuja where luxury items and valuables worth about N150 million were reportedly stolen.

The arrest was announced on Monday, May 25, 2026, by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid. The suspect was arrested by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) following investigations into allegations of criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, theft, malicious damage and administering harmful substances.

According to police findings, Govi was said to have gained employment as a chef at the residence, studying the movement of occupants, internal routine and security setup before allegedly carrying out the operation on April 23, 2026.

He reportedly worked with two accomplices called Peter and Moses, who are on the run investigators said.

Police said food prepared in the house was mixed with a substance suspected to be a sedative to weaken the occupants and security personnel.

The suspects allegedly broke into the property, destroyed CCTV installations and carted away 20 luxury wristwatches worth about N150 million and other valuables, after they allegedly became unconscious.

Commenting on the development, DCP Anthony Placid said the suspect was intercepted around the Gwagwalada axis of the Federal Capital Territory while trying to flee to Lagos. An iPhone 17 Pro Max, believed to be the victim’s, and a suspected chemical substance were also recovered, he said.

“We are still committed to dismantling organised criminal networks and ensuring that all fleeing accomplices are brought to justice,” Placid said.

Efforts to arrest the suspects who fled and to conclude investigations into the case are continuing,” police said.

The post Police Arrest Private Chef Over Alleged N150m Theft, Drugging Of Employer, Burglary appeared first on TheNigerian.

Following a terrorist attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area, Yobe State, in the early hours of May 8, 2026, the Nigeria Police offered prayers for the seventeen police officers who lost their lives.

According to reports, a number of brave Nigerian Army soldiers also sacrificed the ultimate sacrifice while valiantly fending off the assault.

Inspector-General of Police IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu stated during the prayers that their sacrifice is the pinnacle of national duty and patriotism.

In order to combat terrorism and violent extremism on a daily basis, the Nigeria Police Force, in particular the Police Mobile Force, maintains hundreds of personnel throughout the Northeast region in cooperative operations with the Armed Forces and other security agencies, according to Disu.

“Every Nigerian family can sleep at night with a measure of safety and peace because our officers continue to put their lives on the line, often under extremely difficult conditions,” he stated.

“We want every Nigerian to feel and know in their hearts that there are men and women in uniform who wake up every morning with one purpose: to serve, to protect, and to give everything if called upon,” he stated.

“Every fallen officer has a family left behind, a future cut short, and a society that owes them an incalculable debt of gratitude. We sincerely promise that their deaths will not be in vain and that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

“The Nigeria Police Force is unwavering.” We will keep showing up, staying strong, and doing everything in our power to serve our wonderful country.

“The Nigeria Police Force supports the families of our departed heroes during this difficult time. We are dedicated to accompanying you on this challenging journey, and we share your loss.

“May God continue to protect all security personnel defending our country, and may the souls of our departed officers rest in perfect peace.”

The post Police Hold Prayers For 17 Officers Killed In Yobe Terror Attack appeared first on TheNigerian.