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Enugu Security Forces Neutralize 27 Suspected Kidnappers and Eastern Security Network Members in Ongoing Crackdown
Enugu Security Forces Neutralize 27 Suspected Kidnappers and Eastern Security Network Members in Ongoing Crackdown ....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Security forces in Enugu State have successfully neutralized at least 27 individuals believed to be kidnappers and members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The operation is part of Governor Peter Mbah’s intensified crackdown on Biafra separatist groups and other criminal elements operating in the state.
A statement from the Governor’s media office on Wednesday revealed that these suspects were killed in various locations across Enugu State over the past two weeks during confrontations with security operatives. Some of the neutralized individuals were reportedly loyal to Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based leader of the faction known as Auto Pilot IPOB.
Residents of Enugu have urged Governor Mbah to invoke the state’s criminal code to demolish properties used by kidnappers and other criminals as stash houses, a measure aimed at deterring further criminal activities. The Governor’s media office highlighted a recent operation led by Superintendent Onochie Ezeh, where a joint security team rescued kidnapped victims and neutralized a seven-member kidnapping gang at Ogbeke Nike. The gang had been using a large poultry farm as a hideout for their hostages.
Ezeh disclosed that the security task force, established by Governor Mbah as a tactical squad to combat kidnappings and gunmen activities, has achieved significant progress in restoring peace to the state. “We have been on the trail of these kidnappers for over three months. They operated within this axis, kidnapping victims and holding them at a poultry farm until ransoms were paid,” Ezeh stated.
Upon receiving a tip-off from local residents and based on accounts from rescued victims, the security team launched an operation. “When we approached, the criminals opened fire, but we retaliated and overpowered them with superior firepower,” Ezeh explained.
The task force, which has been instrumental in neutralizing over seven criminal gangs in recent months, continues its mission to eliminate threats in Enugu State. “We are taking the battle to their doorsteps, as instructed by the Governor. During our operations, we have identified several criminal hideouts where kidnap victims and dangerous weapons are stored,” Ezeh added.
Key locations targeted by the task force include New Artisan Market, Akwuke community, Akegbe-Ugwu, Four Corners, Awgu, Mgbowo, Emene, Eke, Afa in Udi, and parts of Isi Uzo local government area. In these operations, over 30 kidnappers were neutralized, and a significant amount of weapons and valuables were recovered.
Among the rescued victims was Dr. Kate Pamela, who recounted her harrowing experience at the hands of the kidnappers. “Each time I pass by that poultry, I feel a sense of injustice knowing it still operates. They held us captive there for five days, killing two victims because their families couldn’t meet the ransom demands,” she lamented. Dr. Pamela urged the government to ensure justice by turning the site into a landfill to prevent its future use as a criminal hideout.
Datti Baba-Ahmed, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has made a bold assertion regarding the upcoming presidential race, claiming that former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, possesses the strength to defeat both President Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi, provided the electoral process remains free and fair.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Endorsing a “Highly Qualified” Candidate Speaking during an interview on Symfoni TV, Baba-Ahmed, a former political ally of Peter Obi, praised the newly emerged PRP presidential candidate. He described Duke as one of Nigeria’s most capable political figures, arguing that the public has yet to fully grasp the extent of his leadership credentials and widespread national appeal.
“Don’t Underestimate Him” Baba-Ahmed emphasized that Duke’s political viability should not be dismissed, pointing to the 2023 general election as a cautionary tale. He noted that many observers significantly underestimated Peter Obi’s potential during that cycle and warned that the electorate might be making a similar mistake by overlooking Duke’s surging momentum in the lead-up to the next election.
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Showdown In Court: Judge Rejects Sowore’s Plea, Sets Daily Trial Schedule For Defamation Case
The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a stern directive to Omoyele Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters and former presidential candidate, to immediately open his defence in the criminal defamation trial brought against him regarding remarks made about President Bola Tinubu.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Courtroom Showdown On Thursday, Justice Mohammed Umar rejected a plea from Sowore’s legal team to adjourn the proceedings until after the court’s upcoming vacation. Sowore’s counsel, Marshall Abubakar, had attempted to delay the trial, citing his client’s desire to focus on preparations for next year’s presidential election. However, the judge dismissed this request, ruling that the criminal trial must proceed on a day-to-day basis, adhering to the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
Failed Attempt to Stall The trial, which is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS), follows allegations that Sowore labeled President Tinubu a “criminal” in posts shared on his and Facebook accounts.
During the hearing, prosecuting counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) highlighted that the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court had already officially declined Sowore’s May 19 request to have the case reassigned to a different judge. Justice Umar reviewed the Chief Judge’s response in open court and agreed with the prosecution, noting that there was no instruction for the defendant to file further applications to stall the process.
“Proceed or Be Foreclosed” The prosecution strongly opposed any further delays, with Kehinde asserting that the law leaves no room for “dilatory practice” in criminal trials. He warned that the defence must either commence their case or risk being foreclosed from doing so. Following the judge’s final ruling, the matter was adjourned to Friday, June 5, for the formal opening of the defence.
If you are looking for the current Dollar to Naira exchange rates, here is the breakdown for the parallel (black) market and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) figures as of Thursday, June 4, 2026.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Parallel Market (Aboki FX) Rates
In the Lagos parallel market, Bureau De Change (BDC) sources reported the following rates for the US Dollar:
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Buying Rate: ₦1,380 per Dollar
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Selling Rate: ₦1,395 per Dollar
CBN Official Rates
The official exchange rates reported by the Central Bank of Nigeria are as follows:
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Lowest Rate: ₦1,356 per Dollar
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Highest Rate: ₦1,361 per Dollar
Important Disclaimer: Please be aware that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize the parallel market. The bank advises individuals seeking to conduct foreign exchange transactions to utilize their respective commercial banks. Additionally, please note that actual rates available for buying or selling may fluctuate and could differ from those listed here due to market volatility and local variations.
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