Latest News
Police Arrest 10 Suspects, Break Up Kidnap Gangs in Jos, Bassa
JOS, Nigeria — Police in Plateau State said they have broken up several kidnap gangs and arrested 10 suspects during operations in Jos and Bassa.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
State Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Adesina announced the arrests Friday, saying the suspects were taken into custody after weeks of surveillance and joint raids by special tactical teams.
According to Adesina, the suspects are linked to multiple abductions in rural communities and along highways connecting Jos to Bassa and neighboring areas. He said the gangs had been terrorizing residents and collecting ransom from victims’ families.
“Through credible intelligence, our men tracked and arrested the suspects at different hideouts,” Adesina told reporters. “Weapons, motorcycles, and phones used in negotiating ransom were recovered from them.”
Police said the operations followed a spike in kidnapping incidents in Plateau State, which has seen a rise in violent crime over the past year. Security agencies have faced mounting pressure from community leaders to dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.
Adesina said the latest arrests show the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property. He urged residents to continue providing information to help security agencies identify criminal hideouts and movements.
Kidnapping for ransom has become one of Nigeria’s most persistent security challenges, affecting states across the country. In Plateau, farmers and traders have often been targeted on their way to markets or while working on farmlands. Victims are usually released only after relatives pay large sums, sometimes forcing families into debt.
Police identified some of the suspects as hardened criminals with past records of armed robbery and extortion. Others are believed to have recently joined the groups, lured by the promise of quick money. The suspects are being interrogated and will face prosecution once investigations are complete, police said.
Residents of Jos and Bassa welcomed the news of the arrests but called for more long-term security measures. “We are happy with what the police have done, but they should not stop here,” said Musa Ibrahim, a community leader in Bassa. “These gangs always come back unless security is sustained.”
Civil society groups also urged the government to address root causes of kidnapping, including unemployment and lack of opportunities for young people. “Every time we arrest, more youths are waiting to take their place because poverty is pushing them,” said Ngozi Umeh, coordinator of a local peace initiative. “We need both security action and social programs.”
The police commissioner assured the public that patrols would be increased on major roads and around farming communities. He added that more intelligence officers are being deployed to gather early warnings before attacks occur.
In recent months, Plateau State has experienced repeated clashes between criminal gangs and security forces. Analysts say the crackdown in Jos and Bassa could help reduce crime in the short term, but warn that the challenge of organized kidnapping groups remains nationwide.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly pledged to end kidnapping, with federal security agencies launching joint task forces in several states. However, progress has been slow due to limited resources, vast rural terrain, and the sophistication of criminal networks.
For residents of Jos and Bassa, the arrests bring relief but also caution. Many say they fear reprisals or the re-emergence of other gangs if security presence weakens.
Police called on citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to local authorities. “Together we can defeat these criminals,” Adesina said. “The safety of our communities depends on partnership between the people and the police.”
The 10 suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. Police said more raids are expected in the coming weeks to track down accomplices and dismantle remaining hideouts.
With kidnappings spreading fear across Plateau, the latest arrests mark a victory for security forces. But the struggle to protect communities from organized gangs is far from over.
In the ongoing ₦7.8 billion fraud trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, a prosecution witness has provided testimony regarding massive cash deposits made on his behalf.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Key points from the testimony of the third prosecution witness, Richard Agulu, a former Zenith Bank employee, include:
-
Cash Deposits: Agulu testified that he deposited billions of naira in cash on behalf of the former CBN chief, with the funds delivered to him by Emefiele’s former personal assistant, Eric Ocheme.
-
Account Handling: According to the witness, the money was either deposited into accounts for Kelvito Integrated Services and Ifeabigo Integrated Services or placed in the bank’s vault, following instructions allegedly relayed through Ocheme.
-
Banking Procedures: Despite the large sums, Agulu maintained that he followed standard banking procedures, noting that some clients were granted verbal waivers by senior officials to deposit large amounts of cash.
-
Refusal to Name Officials: When asked to identify the senior bank officials who provided these verbal waivers, Agulu declined to provide names to avoid getting anyone in trouble.
-
Additional Transactions: Agulu also testified that he supervised a transfer of ₦1.6 billion to MG Properties Limited.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Emefiele on eight counts, including criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, forgery, and unlawful possession of properties allegedly linked to proceeds of crime; Emefiele has entered a plea of not guilty. Eric Ocheme, who was named in the charges, is reported to be at large. Justice Yusuf Halilu has adjourned the trial for continuation on November 3, 4, and 5, 2026.
Latest News
“From Political Firebrand To Top Diplomat: Fani-Kayode’s Strategic Southern African Move!”
Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has officially received his Letters of Credence for his role as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini. Fani-Kayode announced the news on Tuesday, noting that the appointment followed the approval of the required agrément.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Letters of Credence were presented to him on behalf of President Bola Tinubu by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye. Fani-Kayode stated that he is preparing to report to Pretoria to present his letters to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and begin his diplomatic duties. Reflecting on his appointment, the former minister—who served in the aviation sector two decades ago—expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for the trust placed in him and requested prayers for his success in this new role.
Latest News
“I’ll Kill For Her!” Kunle Fawole Drops Shocking Bombshell About Ex-Flame Yvonne Jegede!.
Nollywood actor Kunle Abounce Fawole recently opened up about his relationship with his ex-wife, Yvonne Jegede, in an interview with Chude Jideonwu. While confirming that he no longer holds romantic feelings for her, Fawole emphasized that he maintains a deep sense of responsibility and respect for her as the mother of his son. He expressed a desire to avoid enmity, noting that he would never turn his back on someone he once cared for, and firmly declared his willingness to protect her from harm at all costs.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a candid conversation with Chude Jideonwu, Kunle Abounce Fawole reflected on his past marriage to Yvonne Jegede. When asked about his current feelings, the actor clarified that while the romantic spark is gone, his protective instincts remain strong. Fawole shared that he prefers to take the blame for past relationship struggles to avoid bitterness, stating that he refuses to harbor grudges. Ultimately, he underscored his commitment to her safety, asserting that he would go to extreme lengths—even potentially resorting to violence—to defend the mother of his child.
Option 3: Short & Punchy
Kunle Abounce Fawole has made it clear that while his romantic chapter with ex-wife Yvonne Jegede is closed, his dedication to her protection is unwavering. During a recent interview, the actor revealed he has no room for bitterness toward past partners. Though he no longer loves her romantically, he stressed that his status as the father of her son drives him to act as her fiercest defender, even going so far as to say he would “kill” for her if she were ever threatened.
-
latest11 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics3 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
Politics3 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp