News
CP Abubakar Charges Enugu Operatives to Sustain Tempo As Command Reels Out One Month Achievements
The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, Abubakar Lawal, has charged men and officers of the Command to sustain the tempo of achievements recorded against criminals and criminal elements in the state in the last one month, spanning March to April 2022.
The CP made the remarks in a press statement, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, a copy of which was made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), noting that the Command has recorded major operational breakthroughs and confirmed the arrest of 46 suspects and recovered various items in furtherance of its operational strategies.
The statement in details:
‘Police Operatives of the Command have between March and April 2022, successfully arrested a total of forty-five (45) male and one (1) female suspects involved the offences of conspiracy, murder, rape/defilement, kidnapping/abduction, armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearm, stealing, vandalism and cultism.’
‘The operational activities led to the rescue of four (4) abducted/kidnapped victims, recovery of twenty-five (25) firearms of different makes, thirty-one (31) live ammunition of different calibres, fifty-three live cartridges, three (3) motor vehicles, six (6) tricycles, two (2) motorcycles and other incriminating exhibits’, NAOSNP gathered.
‘Accordingly, investigation into most of the cases have been concluded and charged to court, while others are currently being investigated, with brief descriptions of the ongoing investigations relayed as follows: sequel to the receipt of a report alleging that on 27/04/2022 at about 2300hrs, one Onyemaechi Okorie aged 19, of Uburu in Ohaozara LGA of Ebonyi State, murdered his male co-worker in a construction site at Independence Layout Enugu, Police Operatives of the Command serving in New Haven Police Division, swung into action and arrested him on the same date.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect engaged the deceased in a serious fight and used a rod to hit him on the head. The victim was immediately moved to the hospital for treatment, but was later confirmed dead by doctors on duty and the corpse deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy. Meanwhile, the case has been transferred to the State CID Enugu for conclusive investigation and prosecution.’
‘In a different development, on 25/04/2022 at about 1430hrs, Police Operatives serving in Anti-Cultism Squad of the Command, acted on a distress call and arrested one Haruna Abdulazeez aged 22, of New Artisan Market, Enugu and Mohammed Falani aged 32, of Nkporogu, New Layout, Emene Enugu, while their cohorts escaped. They suspects are alleged to have at gunpoint robbed their victims of cash and other valuables, at New Layout, Emene. Their arrest led to the recovery of 1 Pump Action gun with 5 live and 6 expended cartridges, 1 Dagger, 2 tricycles with reg. numbers: ENU 678 WE and NSH 254 UD respectively, cash sum of sixty five thousand, one hundred and fifty naira (N65,150.00) and 1 Tecno IPOD. The case will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.’
‘The above is in addition to the same Operatives arresting one Chukwuebuka Eze (a.k.a. “Nwarie”) aged 23, Abumchukwu Ezinwa (a.k.a. “Virgin Boy”) aged 26, Chibuzor Nnonah aged 27 and Ikenna Ukwu (a.k.a. “Kasie”) aged 29, on 25th and 20th April, 2022. Their arrest is sequel to the receipt of credible information alleging that the suspects and others at large, snatched a tricycle from their victim at gunpoint on 18/04/2022, at Akegbe-Ugwu Primary School, after beating and tying him up. The suspect confessed to the crime and being members of Vikings Confraternity, while the said yellow-coloured tricycle without reg. number has been recovered. Meanwhile, further discreet investigation that will lead to the apprehension of the fleeing members of the criminal gang and prosecution of the suspects is ongoing’, NAOSNP gathered.
‘On their part, Police Operatives serving in Ikirike Police Division of the Command, on 21/04/2022 at about 2130hrs, arrested one Ogochukwu Ugwu aged 24, of MTN Mast, Akwuke Awkunanaw, Enugu South LGA; following the receipt of credible information alleging that him and cohorts at large, have been perpetrating acts of armed robbery within Enugu metropolis. Hence, the Operatives mounted security surveillance on the criminal gang and arrested the suspect along Agbani Road Enugu, while his cohorts escaped. 1 locally-made long gun with 1 live cartridge and the gang’s operational tricycle were recovered; while the case has been transferred to the Anti-Robbery Section of State CID Enugu for conclusive investigation and prosecution.’
‘In another development, Police Operatives serving in Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Command, on 19/04/2022 at about 1000hrs, arrested one Ogbonna Moses aged 38, of Ibagwa-Aka, Igbo-Eze South LGA, following the discovery of 2 Beretta Pistols, 13 rounds of .9mm and 3 rounds of 7.62mm calibres of live ammunition in a bag of onions he was traveling with from Jos to Enugu on 15/04/2022. Meanwhile, further discreet and conclusive investigation into the case is ongoing.’
“In a different development, acting on credible information alleging that a group of suspected criminal elements were sighted along Kenyetta, Uwani Enugu, on 14/04/2022 at about 2000hrs, Police Operatives serving in Uwani Police Division, swung into action and on sighting the Operatives, the hoodlums escaped leaving behind a bag. The bag was recovered, searched and 1 AK-47 rifle without magazine, but loaded with 1 round of live 7.62mm calibre of ammunition, was recovered. Meanwhile, discreet investigation to fish out the fleeing suspects is ongoing at the State CID Enugu.’
‘In another development, on 11/04/2022 at about 0330hrs, Police Operatives serving in Anti-Cultism Squad of the Command, acting on credible information, arrested one Oha Nkemjika Kelechi (a.k.a. “DMX”) aged 28, of Umueze, Nkanu West LGA; Peter Orji Ikechukwu (a.k.a. “Don 50”) aged 26, of Ishi-Ozalla, Nkanu West LGA and Okpe Onyekachi (a.k.a. “Certificate”) aged 21, of Obollo-Afor, Udenu LGA. The suspects confessed to being members of Vikings Confraternity and having, along with their cohorts at large, serially robbed traders at Amagugu Road, Garki Market, Awkunanaw Enugu on 05/01/2022. 1 locally-made cut-to-size single-barreled gun with 3 live cartridges, 1 dagger and 1 cutlass were recovered from them, while the suspects will be arraigned and prosecuted in court upon conclusion of investigation.’
‘In an interesting development, on 09/04/2022 at about 2055hrs, Police Operatives serving in Central Police Station (CPS) Enugu, arrested one Juliet Donatus (female) aged 35, residing in Zaria, Kaduna State. Her arrest was as a result of a tip off alleging that she was found attempting to sell a male child at Old Park Enugu. The said child, who is 8 years old, was rescued while the suspect confessed to have stolen the victim from Zamfara State and brought him to Enugu in search of a buyer. The case was transferred to Gender/Anti-Human Trafficking Section of the State CID Enugu for preliminary investigation and has been further handed over to Kaduna State Police Command for conclusive investigation and prosecution.’
‘Furthermore, on 08/04/2022 at about 1100hrs, Police Operatives serving in Enugu Metro Area Command arrested one Nura Mohammed aged 23 while others escaped, sequel to the Operatives swift response to a tip off alleging that some boys in possession of guns were sighted at New Artisan Market, Enugu. 1 Berretta pistol with 6 rounds of live ammunition was recovered from him; while the case is undergoing conclusive investigation at the Firearm Section of the State CID Enugu.’
‘Similarly, Police Operatives serving in Uwani Police Division, on 31/03/2022 at about 2120hrs, intercepted in a tricycle and arrested one Chisom Ikechukwu aged 23, of Amechi Awkunanaw, Enugu South LGA. His arrest led to the recovery of 1 cut-to-size double-barreled gun with 1 live and 1 expended cartridge, 1 knife, 1 Samsung Android phone and 1 Police beret. Also recovered is the tricycle with reg. number: ENU 120 VG he was operating. Meanwhile, the case has been transferred and is undergoing conclusive investigation at the Anti-Robbery Section of the State CID Enugu.’
‘Also, in continuation of a case of conspiracy and kidnapping, Police Operatives of the Command serving in the CP Monitoring Unit, between 24th and 22nd March, 2022, arrested one Oko Chukwudi (a.k.a. “Anka-Dede”) aged 27, Ifeanyi Eze (a.k.a. “Abrinanwa”) aged 36 and Sunday Ede Aneke (a native doctor a.k.a. Aneke-Ikenga) aged 34, all of Akpugo, Nkanu West LGA, for being members of the criminal gang alleged to had conspired and kidnapped one Amechi Oguama (male) on 20/10/2021. It will be recall that three (3) other members of the said kidnapping gang namely: one Chioma Uwa (female and a.k.a. “Dr. Happiness”), Chekwube Nwatu (male and a.k.a. “Cheche”) and Emeka Uwa (male a.k.a. “Akimbo”), had earlier been arrested, arraigned in court and remanded in Correctional Custodial Centre. All the newly arrested suspects confessed to having been actively involved in the kidnapping of the said victim and the receipt of ransom of over ten million naira (N10,000,000.00) by the criminal gang, while 1 Berretta pistol with 1 .9mm round of live ammunition was recovered from them. Meanwhile, the suspects will be further arraigned in court and prosecuted alongside the previous suspects, once supplementary investigation into the case is concluded.’
In conclusion, the PR-savvy police officer, ASP Daniel Ndukwe shared: ‘To this end, the Commissioner, while applauding the support received from security stakeholders, which made the achievement of these modest operational breakthroughs possible, has commended and charged the Operatives to sustain the tempo in the Command’s quest to rid the State of unrepentant criminals and their activities. The CP further calls on citizens of the State to remain law-abiding, vigilant and continue to support the Police by promptly reporting criminals and their activities to the nearest Police Station or by calling the Command’s emergency hotlines on: 08032003702, 08075390883 or 08086671202. They can alternatively send e-mails to contact042ppro@gmail.com and/or report security incidents using the Upgraded NPF Rescue Me App, which can be downloaded on Android and iPhone App Stores.’
A State Security Service investigator, on Tuesday, told the Federal High Court in Abuja that Tukur Mamu was offered a N50 million share by Shugaba, leader of the terrorist group, who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna bound train in 2022.
The DSS operative, who testified as 6th prosecution witness (PW-6) in the ongoing terrorism trial of Mamu, the alleged terrorists’ negotiator, told Justice Mohammed Umar while being led in evidence by the DSS lawyer, David Kaswe.
The witness, who gave his testimony behind a witness screen for security reason, said that the group also asked Mamu to teach them how to open website for their terrorist activities.
He stated this while interpreting four voice notes played in the courtroom containing the defendant’s telephone interactions with the terrorists who held the abducted train passengers hostage.
The audio recordings were extracted from Mamu’s mobile telephones during interrogation after he was arrested in Egypt and brought back to Nigeria.
“The first voice note that played was for defendant (Mamu) fixing a date for delivery of ransom.
“The second voice note that played for five minutes was the voice of Shugaba, the leader of the terrorist group.
“In the voice note, he was appreciating the defendant’s effort and ask him to remove N50 million for his personal use from a particular tranche of ransom sent to them.
“The last voice note that played, Baba Adamu, who is their spokesperson, was heard requesting the defendant to help them procure speakers and public address system for their preaching activities and the defendant responded that he was going to look into their request.
“They also requested that the defendant teach them how to open website for their activities,” the witness said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mamu was alleged to have convinced the terrorists to discuss ransom payments with individual families of the hostages of the train attack instead of the Chief of Defense Staff Committee set up by the Federal Government for his personal financial gain.
The defendant was said to have been nominated by the terrorists that attacked the train sometime in March 2022 where scores of passengers were held hostage.
Mamu was alleged to have collected ransoms on behalf of terror group from families of hostages, confirmed the amount and facilitated the delivery of same to them.
The PW-6, while being led in evidence on Tuesday by the prosecuting lawyer, Kaswe, told the court that after Mamu was brought back from Egypt, he submitted his Samsung tablet and two phones to DSS’ officials.
The witness said he was one of those who investigated the case.
He told the court that when the defendant was intercepted in Egypt, he put a call to his in-law, identified as Mubarak Tinja and directed him to move out all his valuables, comprising cash, cars and other items of values, from his house to a safe location, to avoid detection by security agents.
“The defendant was subsequently arrested in Egypt and returned back to Nigeria, where a team of investigators were on ground to receive him.
“A duly endorsed search warrant was duly executed in his property and office in Kaduna, during which cash, in both local and foreign currencies; vehicles and other valuables were recovered.
“In compliance with his directive to his in law, Mubarak Tinja, and the other dependants in the house, some cars and cash were moved out of the house to various locations,” he said.
He said investigators later traced and located some of the items, including about 300,000 US dollars, about seven cars, including Toyota Camry (Muscle); Peugeot 5008, Lexus, Mercedes E350 and a Hyundai car.
Vehicle documents relating to the cars were later tendered by the prosecution through the witness, which the court admitted in evidence.
The witness added that when the defendant was brought back to the country, he “handed his Samsung tablet and two of his phones to our exhibit keeper, who sent them to our forensic department for forensic analysis.
“The outcome of the forensic analysis, included the voice notes of the conversation between the defendant and the terrorists, were part of the content that were presented to the interrogation team and the items recovered from his home.
“He (the defendant) was subsequently interviewed, during which the content of his phones and other items were presented to him.
“During the interview, the defendant admitted giving instruction to Mubarak to move his variables from his house.
“He also admitted communicating with the terrorists, using his voice notes, which were extracted from his two phones and Samsung tablet.”
He added that the defendant also admitted owning a pump action gun, which was recovered from his house, which he claimed was duly licensed.
The witness, however, told the court that investigators later discovered that the licence expired in December 2021, nine months before he was arrested.
The DSS operative said about 98 per cent of the conversation on the voice notes are in Housa Language, some of which were translated to English Language by him, because they were too many.
Kaswe then applied to tender the recorded voice notes stored in compact disk plates and flash drive, which the court admitted, after Mamu’s counsel, Johnson Usman, reserved his objection until the final address.
The recorded conversations were played in the courtroom.
The witness added that in the course of investigation, two victims volunteered written statements in which they recounted their experiences.
He said one of the statements was written in English and the other in Hausa Language.
He, however, said that the victims; a male and female, were no longer available, because they expressed their unwillingness to attend court to testify because of fear and trauma.
The court admitted the statements of the victims in evidence and marked them as exhibits after it was not opposed by Usman.
The court also admitted in evidence eight statements made to investigators by Mamu and video recordings of the statements writing sessions.
Kaswe then informed the court that he would be bringing a formal application for the court to visit where the items recovered from Mamu’s house and office are kept.
Justice Umar adjourned the matter until Nov. 26 at 11am for continuation of trial.
NAN
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday laid before the Lagos State House of Assembly a N4.237 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year, describing it as an ambitious, future-driven financial plan aimed at solidifying his administration’s legacy in its final full year.
Presenting the proposal, titled the “Budget of Shared Prosperity,” the governor said it reflects the collective optimism that Lagos will continue to expand opportunities, strengthen its leadership role, and reinforce its status as Africa’s foremost megacity.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the budget projects total revenue of N3,993,774,552,141, comprising N3.12 trillion in Internally Generated Revenue and N874 billion in expected Federal Transfers. The funding structure, he noted, leaves a deficit financing requirement of N243,332,457,167.
For the 2026 fiscal year, capital expenditure is set at N2,185,085,419,495, while recurrent expenditure stands at N2,052,021,589,812. He explained that the recurrent component covers overheads, personnel costs, and debt obligations.
A breakdown of recurrent spending shows total overhead costs of N1,084,245,843,091, including general overheads, subventions and dedicated expenditures, while personnel costs amount to N440,494,339,384. Recurrent debt charges are projected at ₦143,876,701,943, with debt repayments estimated at N383,404,705,394.
Sanwo-Olu also outlined the sectoral distribution of the 2026 budget. General Public Services will receive N847,472,071,966; Public Order and Safety, N147,040,088,897; and Economic Affairs, N1,372,307,808,626. The Environment Ministry is allocated N235,957,235,138, while Housing receives N123,760,310,429.
The Health sector is earmarked N338,449,258,945; Education gets N249,132,921,287; Social Protection, N70,024,171,038; and the Recreation and Culture sector will take N54,682,339,586.
The governor said the year 2026 carries special weight as the last full calendar year of his administration, describing it as a period crucial for consolidating achievements and ensuring a “strong, successful finish.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to completing all ongoing and newly initiated projects, adding that his administration will continue to prioritise citizen engagement to ensure government decisions reflect the needs of Lagosians.
According to him, Lagos is entering a new phase of “accelerated impact,” driven by sustained investment in infrastructure, human capital, social welfare and governance systems that are “intentional, inclusive and future-oriented.”
Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s core mission: “To keep Lagos secure, to keep Lagos working, to keep Lagos growing, and to make sure the prosperity we build is shared by everyone who calls this centre of excellence home.”
He commended the Lagos State House of Assembly for its consistent partnership, describing the lawmakers as steadfast allies in the state’s development journey. He also praised the civil service for its hard work in translating government vision into measurable progress.
DailyPost
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has disclosed that armed personnel have been deployed to all parts of Lagos State to protect schools and other public places.
CP Jimoh disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the activities of the command in the last few months.
He also disclosed that no fewer than 56 criminals have also been arrested for different crimes in the last few months.
The police, however, stressed that the crime rate in the State has gone down significantly during the period under review.
The reinforcement of the security around the State may not be unconnected with the recent resurgence of kidnapping and violent attacks in some parts of the country.
According to police boss, the command also recovered ten exotic vehicles from robbers in different parts of the state.
CP Jimoh said: “The security situation in Lagos is not alarming, and we are firmly on top of the situation. During the period under review, there have not been any extraordinary or significant security problems throughout the bigger city.
This is not due to the police effort alone, it is due to the whole population and the collaboration and support of the public, individuals and other members of the public that have come to identify with the police and ensure the safety and protection of life and property throughout the State.”
CP Jimoh continued: “We are making significant progresses in the area of crime fighting and prevention. This with the introduction of new strategies.
It is due to the positive result that has led to the recovery of about 10 vehicles within the last few weeks.”
He stressed that during the month under review, the command recovered 10 vehicles stolen and one motorcycle removed from park.
Across multiple operations in November, the Command recovered six firearms, including locally made pistols, cut-tosize guns, a single cut-to-size barrel gun, multiple live cartridges, dangerous weapons such as a machete, a battle axe, and an assault dagger, as well as Nigerian military m camouflage, charms, and fake currency valued at four thousand dollars. ”
“These achievements are a testament to our sustained November strategy aimed at dismantling criminal gangs, intercepting stolen property, removing illegal firearms from circulation, and strengthening public safety across Lagos State.
“The total number of weapons and items recovered are: one machete, one battle axe, one assault dagger, one Nigerian military camouflage, one charm, and fake 4,000 USD,” the CP also stated.
He added: “These items were seized during intelligence-driven operations aimed at neutralising gangs responsible for violent crimes and coordinated attacks in different parts of Lagos State.
The recovery of these weapons and materials significantly disrupts the capabilities of criminal groups and enhances the overall security landscape of the State.”
CP Jimoh also urges people who may want to come and celebrate the Yuletide period in the state not to entertain any fear.
He noted that increased police surveillance had been put in place to prevent any breakdown of law and order during the celebration.
He added that he had also directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Squads, and Unit Commanders to fortify worship centers with adequate security during services.
