Metro
Police Nab Masterminds of Abuja-Kaduna Train Attack, Greenfield University Kidnappings
The Nigeria Police on Thursday, announced the arrest of the alleged mastermind of the attack on the Abuja-Kaduna where some passengers were killed while scores were abducted in March 2022.
The mastermind was identified as Ibrahim Abdullahi, also known by the ominous moniker of Mandi.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who made this known in Kaduna on Thursday, also disclosed that the suspect had also participated in the abduction of students from Greenfield University in 2021.
Adejobi also added that 48 AK-47 rifles were seized during Mandi’s arrest and efforts were underway to identify his sponsor and supplier of weapons.
He said, “On 12th January 2024, police operatives attached to an anti-kidnapping unit of Kaduna State Criminal Investigation Department, based on credible information swooped in and arrested one Ibrahim Abdullahi aka MANDE at Abuja-Kaduna Road flyover by Rido Junction.
“The suspect confessed to being the leader of a kidnap syndicate terrorizing the Kaduna-Abuja highway, ranked among other criminals like Dogo Gide and Bello Turji.
“He had participated in various kidnapping incidents including the kidnapping incident at Green Field University and he partook in almost all the kidnappings along the Abuja-Kaduna highway.”
Meanwhile, the police spokesman also said that no fewer than 81-armed robbers, 40 kidnapers, 73 murder/homicide suspects, 36 rape suspects, 22 suspects involved in cult-related crimes, and 28 suspects engaged in other criminal activities between January to date with particular focus on the Abuja-Kaduna expressway.
According to him, the strategic initiative being implemented by the force along the Abuja-Kaduna highway was responsible for current success stories so far recorded.
Similarly, he added that operatives have successfully recovered 16 firearms of various types along with 226 ammunition of diverse calibres.
“Additionally, our operations have led to the retrieval of 28 stolen vehicles, over 200 harmful weapons, and 600 bags of fertilizers.
“A total of three million, three hundred and fifty thousand Naira (N3,350,000) only, previously paid as ransom to kidnappers, has been successfully recovered, while our swift and coordinated efforts have resulted in the safe rescue of 158 kidnapped victims, all of whom have been reunited with their families unharmed. These achievements include.”
The police spokesman further said that the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of IGP Kayode Egbetokun, remains steadfast in its resolve to uphold the rule of law, ensure the safety and security of all citizens as well as combat criminal activities in the country.
Some bloodthirsty terrorists had attacked the Abuja-Kaduna bound AK9 train on March 28 and abducted some passengers.
A day after the attack, another passenger who suffered from a gunshot wound died, making it nine, the total number of those killed in that attack.
From the manifest received by the Nigerian Railway Corporation, 398 passengers bought tickets but 362 were validated as having bought tickets.
The Punch
In a move to enhance the mental resilience and professional effectiveness of personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs, through Rashtriya Raksha University, the pioneering National Security and Police University in India, has concluded discussions to commence strategic partnership that will lead to result oriented capacity building for Officers and Men of the Corps.
Through the first-of-its-kind collaboration, according to a statement made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), 1000 FRSC personnel will undergo intensive training in stress management and emotional wellbeing in August, 2025. An initiative that underscores Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed’s determination to safeguarding not only the lives of road users, but also the health and wellbeing of the Management and Staff of the Corps.
The capacity development program aims to increase awareness of occupational stress/personal stress and its impact on physical and mental health of FRSC personnel; equip staff with practical tools for stress management, promote psychological resilience, emotional regulation, as well as foster peer support and a culture of mental health awareness.
Speaking on the partnership, the Corps Marshal stated thus:
“Our personnel operate under immense pressure every day to keep Nigerian roads safe. By investing in their mental and emotional health, we are strengthening our capacity to serve the nation with professionalism, empathy, and excellence.”
“The training program will leverage the world-renowned expertise of Indian professionals in stress reduction, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence, combining modern scientific approaches with time-tested wellness practices. Participants will gain practical tools to manage stress, improve decision-making in critical situations, and promote a culture of mental health awareness within the Corps,” he added.
The programme facilitators will comprise mental health professionals including clinical psychologist,
research officers and administrative officer from the University.
It is expected that at the end of the training, both Management and Staff will exhibit an increased self-awareness of personal stress triggers, improved skills in emotion regulation and peer support, Strengthened sense of community and psychological safety
and improved capabilities to address crisis situation efficiently.
This landmark collaboration reflects the shared vision of Nigeria and India to build resilient institutions that prioritize the wellbeing of public service officers, ensuring safer roads and healthier communities across Africa’s most populous nation.
The training is set to commence later this year and will run in phases, in 4 specific locations including the FRSC Academy Udi, Enugu State, FRSC Marshal Inspectorate Training School, Owo-Alero with both physical and virtual learning sessions to maximize participation and impact.
Recall that the partnership between the University and FRSC commenced sometimes in March with the training of some of the Corps personnel in Gujarat State of India.
As continuation of that partnership, 10 personnel are already finalizing arrangements for Masters Programme sometimes in August this year to study different courses among which include; information technology, cyber security, data management and traffic enforcement.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has commenced the process of transferring the regulatory oversight of electricity market in Abia State to the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA) via Order – NERC/2025/058 in line with Electricity Act 2023, as amended, with effect from June 25, 2025.
The NERC said that Abia State has fully complied to the provisions of section 230 (2) of the Electricity Act 2023 and had dully notified the Commission and requested the transfer of the regulatory oversight of the State electricity market to Abia State.
By this transfer order, the successor DisCo in the State, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) is expected to incorporate a subsidiary to assume the responsibilities of Intra State Supply and distribution of Electricity in Abia State.
Confirming the development, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, said the transfer of regulatory oversight of intrastate electricity markets from NERC to ASERA is in line with the promise of Governor Alex Otti to provide reliable electricity access to unserved and underserved industries and communities in Abia State.
He further stated that it will bring several benefits to the people of Abia state such as localised State-tailored tariff structures, which will set end-user tariffs that reflect local economic conditions, encouraging fairer pricing and better cost recovery.
Also, the commissioner said that ASERA can rapidly adjust rules and incentives to suit local goals such as supporting mini-grids or renewable energy projects.
He further said that Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency located in Umuahia will be able to provide a faster local and closer oversight which reduces delays in licensing, complaints handling, and issue resolutions to bolster local service quality among other functions.
According to him, the deadline for the transfer of the regulatory obligations is December 24, 2025.
Following a video in circulation condemning the Police community over neglect regarding welfare and retirement benefits of retired police officers by a retired retired Superintendent of Police, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered a thorough investigation into the allegations.
The IGP, according to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, has tasked the NPF Pensions Limited to urgently examine the claims, identify any possible lapses, and ensure that appropriate action is taken to address the concerns raised.
The Nigeria Police Force is not insensitive to the plight of its pensioners, many of whom dedicated their lives to the service and safety of our nation. The IGP views the welfare of both serving and retired officers as a priority and recognizes that timely and adequate pension administration is crucial to sustaining morale and institutional integrity. While efforts have consistently been made to improve the pension system, the IGP acknowledges the importance of constructive feedback in prompting necessary reforms.
The IGP therefore reassures all officers, both serving and retired, and their families of the Force’s commitment to improved welfare, and to building a system that honours their sacrifices. He urges stakeholders to remain calm and patient as the NPF Pensions carries out its investigations and engages relevant agencies to ensure lasting solutions.
