Crime

Police Kill Three Suspected Kidnappers in Niger State Operation

Published

7 months ago

September 30, 2025

Police in Niger state shot and killed three suspected kidnappers during a security operation aimed at stopping violent gangs that have terrorized rural communities, officials said Friday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The operation took place late Thursday in the Lavun local government area, where officers confronted a group of armed men believed to be responsible for several abductions and attacks in the region, police said.

According to Niger state police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun, officers received intelligence that the suspects were preparing to launch another kidnapping. When police arrived, the armed group opened fire, leading to a gun battle that left three suspects dead. Others managed to escape into the nearby forest.

“The command will continue to intensify operations in identified hideouts of criminals across the state,” Abiodun said. He urged residents to share timely information with security forces to help prevent more attacks.

Weapons Recovered

Police said they recovered rifles, ammunition, and motorcycles from the scene. The motorcycles are believed to have been used to move victims and carry out raids in remote villages.

Abiodun added that the suspects killed in the operation were linked to previous kidnappings along the Bida-Lapai road, a highway that has become dangerous for travelers. At least six villagers were abducted in the area earlier this month, forcing many locals to abandon farms and businesses out of fear.

Ongoing Security Challenges

Niger state, one of the largest in Nigeria, has faced repeated attacks from armed groups often referred to as “bandits.” These groups invade villages, kidnap residents for ransom, and disrupt farming communities. The violence has displaced thousands and worsened food insecurity in the region.

Authorities have struggled to contain the crisis. Military and police forces frequently launch raids, but the gangs often regroup in forests and rural hideouts. Residents say the attackers are heavily armed and sometimes operate in groups of more than 50.

In 2021, gunmen abducted more than 100 students from a school in Tegina, Niger state, drawing national and international attention to the worsening security situation. Many victims of kidnapping are released only after large ransom payments, though police say they discourage families from paying.

Residents Call for More Protection

Community leaders in Lavun welcomed the police operation but said more needs to be done. “We are happy that some of the criminals have been neutralized, but we are still living in fear,” said local farmer Ibrahim Aliyu. “They will come back if the government does not provide permanent security in our villages.”

Aliyu said many farmers have reduced their activities because of fear of abduction. “We cannot go to the farm freely. Some people are already moving to Minna and other towns,” he added.

Government Response

Niger state Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago recently promised to increase support for security agencies and introduce more patrols along highways. He said the government is working with federal authorities to provide better equipment for police and soldiers.

“We are not going to relent in our fight against banditry,” Bago said in a statement last week. “We will continue to support the security agencies with logistics, vehicles, and incentives to boost their morale.”

Security analysts say coordinated efforts are needed, including more intelligence gathering and community policing. They warn that without stronger action, rural communities in Niger state and neighboring areas will remain at risk.

Next Steps

Police said they are continuing a search for the suspects who escaped Thursday’s gun battle. Patrols have been increased in Lavun and nearby local government areas.

Authorities also urged residents to report suspicious movement, stressing that community cooperation is critical in the fight against kidnapping and banditry.

The latest operation highlights both progress and challenges in Nigeria’s broader security crisis. While three suspects were killed, many others remain active, and residents say the fear of abduction continues to shape daily life.

Crime

ADC Gains Momentum In Southeast Following Peter Obi’s Entry.

Published

4 months ago

January 5, 2026

NivoNews

According to Nivo News, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) welcomed 5,000 new members in Abia State on Saturday, following the recent entry of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, into the party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The mass defection was led by Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Accord Party, in his hometown of Umuaku, Ntigha, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area. Supporters who joined him also left their former political affiliations, including the South East Mandate for Good Governance, to align with the ADC.

Nwankpa explained that his decision to join the ADC was driven by a strong conviction, noting that the party’s manifesto resonates with his political philosophy, emphasizing people-oriented governance, social justice, and sustainable development. He described the ADC as a credible, progressive platform capable of fostering inclusive governance and rebuilding public trust in Nigerian politics.

The Abia State Chairman of the ADC, Don Norman Obinna, formally welcomed Nwankpa and his followers, stating that the country’s political trajectory is increasingly favoring the ADC.

Crime

Abia Police Arrest 809 Suspects, Recover 88 Firearms In 2025 Crackdown.

Published

5 months ago

December 19, 2025

NivoNews

The Abia State Police Command has reported the arrest of 809 suspects and the recovery of 88 firearms in 438 cases across the state from January 2025 to date.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to Nivo News, Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa provided the update on Friday during a briefing at his office, outlining the operational strategies and achievements of the Command during the period under review. He disclosed that 435 rounds of ammunition were recovered from suspected criminals and that over 200 suspects have been successfully prosecuted, with several jailed for various offenses.

The CP further revealed that 33 children who had been kidnapped or trafficked were rescued within and outside the state, with the suspects involved prosecuted and some already imprisoned. “We have sent a lot of people to jail. A clear message has been passed that it is no longer business as usual for criminals in Abia State,” Isa stated.

He highlighted that the state’s crime rate has declined under his leadership, attributing the success to support from Governor Alex Otti, provision of logistics, and collaboration with community stakeholders. Isa also noted that officers encountered non-state actors on several occasions, who were neutralized and disarmed.

The Police Commissioner urged residents to continue providing credible information on suspicious activities to further strengthen the fight against crime. Firearms and other weapons recovered from suspects were displayed at the Police headquarters in Umuahia for the media.

Crime

Major Breakthrough As Police Arrest Suspects In Sophisticated Microsoft Email Hack.

Published

5 months ago

December 18, 2025

NivoNews

According to Nivo News, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF–NCCC) has arrested high-profile cybercrime suspects linked to a sophisticated Microsoft 365 phishing operation that targeted the email systems of major corporate organisations.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The arrests followed actionable intelligence received from Microsoft Corporation in the United States through the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which exposed the deployment of an advanced phishing toolkit known as RaccoonO365. The toolkit was designed to create counterfeit Microsoft login pages capable of harvesting user credentials and unlawfully accessing corporate, financial, and educational email platforms.

Briefing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that the cybercrime centre launched a coordinated, intelligence-led operation in partnership with Microsoft, the FBI, and the United States Secret Service. He explained that investigations traced multiple cases of unauthorised Microsoft 365 account access recorded between January and September 2025 to phishing emails crafted to closely mimic legitimate Microsoft authentication portals.

According to police findings, the cyberattacks resulted in business email compromise, data breaches, and significant financial losses across several jurisdictions. Acting on precise intelligence, NPF–NCCC operatives conducted targeted operations in Lagos and Edo states, leading to the arrest of three suspects. Searches carried out at their residences yielded laptops, mobile phones, and other digital devices, which forensic analysis directly linked to the fraudulent activities.

Further investigations identified Okitipi Samuel, also known by the aliases “RaccoonO365” and “Moses Felix,” as the principal suspect and alleged developer of the phishing infrastructure. Police said he operated a Telegram channel through which phishing links were sold in exchange for cryptocurrency and hosted fake login portals on Cloudflare using stolen or fraudulently obtained email credentials.

The police clarified that there was no evidence connecting the two other arrested individuals to the creation or management of the phishing scheme. The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to protecting the country’s digital environment through the use of advanced technology, enhanced international cooperation, and thorough investigative and prosecutorial processes aimed at combating evolving cyber threats.