News
Concerns as bandits continue to unleash terror on security operatives
Security operatives in Nigeria have come under several attacks by criminal elements in the past few weeks, leading to the killing of scores of them.
Ekwutosblog reports within September alone, over 50 security operatives were killed in different attacks across the country.
While officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, vigilantes, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, JTF and state community watch groups are affected, personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army are the worst hit.
Most of the killings in several states are even underreported.
The recent incidents in Benue, Kogi, Edo and Zamfara State are more worrisome.
On Friday, September 19, armed men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen and local militias attacked security operatives at the Agu Center, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State and murdered at least 11 security operatives.
The daredevil bandits had targeted a joint security team comprising police officers and operatives of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, locally known as Anyam Nyor, during a clearance operation near the state border.
Ekwutosblog gathered from security sources that the bloodthirsty bandits allegedly worked with an informant within the security team, leading to the deadly ambush.
The latest attack brought the total number of security personnel killed in the state within the last 12 months to over 80.
Recall that prior to the Agu attack, Governor Hyacinth Alia had on September 5 confirmed that no fewer than 76 security personnel lost their lives in the state while discharging their duties “in the last year”.
Barely three days after the Benue incident, gunmen struck in Yagba East and Lokoja local government areas of Kogi State, killing a total of five police officers in separate attacks.
Two weeks before the attack, about three officers were gunned down on September 10, by yet-to-be-identified gunmen, also in Egbe, a town sharing a boundary with Kwara State.
The same day some terrorists ambushed soldiers while on patrol in Gusau, Zamfara State and killed at least five personnel.
In another tragic incident that occurred on September 18, at least two soldiers were killed after terrorists raided military barracks at Banki in Bama Local Government Area of Borni State.
Recall also that gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on September 5, killed eight personnel of the NSCDC attached to the BUA Cement Factory located in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Another personnel of the corps was also killed on September 15, when bandits ambushed operatives of the NSCDC along the Yantumaki–Danmusa Road at Dafa village, Katsina State.
Last year, it was reported that about 229 personnel of the Nigeria Police Force were murdered by the trouble makers between January 2023 and October 2024.
The ugly trend has raised concerns not just among the security agencies but also stakeholders, who are eager to see the end of the wanton killings going on across the country.
In a chat with Ekwutosblog, a security expert, Mr Abayomi Oyelade urged the security agencies to “start the fight from within”, stating that the evildoers may have infiltrated the agencies.
According to Abayomi, “you can’t be fighting your enemies and succeed when the people around you are collaborating with those you are fighting.
“There have been reports where operatives plan to attack either bandits or terrorists in their hideouts but before you know what is happening, the bad eggs among them leaked the information to the bad boys. This is the major issue and the reason this security crisis may persist.
“People are too greedy. How do you sell your colleague to your common enemy and you are enjoying the money even with the guilty conscience?
“The military and the police have been infiltrated since and they know this fact.
“You hear some ex-military men accusing even commanders of collaborating with the bandits all because of money. We are our own problem. Why will the insecurity end when many people are benefiting? But that’s blood money.
“We have been saying this. When you identify their hideouts, work with the telecommunication industry, make sure there is no cell phone service in that area until after the operation. It is a simple thing but are you ready?
“Let’s take for instance, through credible intelligence, you have established that there are bandits around the monkey village in Ushafa, inform Glo, MTN and other telecom companies about the planned operation.
“They know how to switch off the network from the area until the operations are carried out. Once you cripple their ability to communicate, you have defeated them.”
Similarly, Comrade Jare Ajayi, the National Publicity Secretary of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, said that “while both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies are employed to combat banditry and terrorism, community leaders, politicians and the locals should identify and check internal saboteurs and those who are collaborating with criminals.”
He called on the Federal Government to ensure that modern technology equipment was procured and appropriately deployed to end the security crisis.
Ajayi identified some of the needed equipment as drones, close circuit cameras, among others.
He added that security personnel should also be motivated and encouraged.
News
Police Arrest Pastor, Islamic Cleric And One Other Over Possession Of Human Parts In Oyo
The Oyo State Police Command has apprehended three suspects, including a pastor and an Islamic cleric, for allegedly possessing human body parts in Ibadan.
The spokesperson for the command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on 24th March, 2026.
According to the PPRO, a patrol team intercepted an unregistered motorcycle and arrested the rider.
Upon searching the pillion, a package containing human intestine was recovered.
The suspect confessed that he had obtained the items from an unknown individual and sells them to one Alfa Onaolapo Taiwo and Pastor Ayodele Taiwo.
Onaolapo and Ayodele were subsequently tracked and arrested.
The duo confessed to purchasing the suspected human parts from Oyategbe Joseph.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public of a recent arrest involving the unlawful possession and sale of suspected human parts in Ibadan, highlighting the Command’s commitment to proactive policing and the protection of lives and public health,” the statement read
“In line with its proactive measures to rid the state of criminal activities, the Command routinely conducts stop-and-search operations, which serve as a key strategy for detecting and preventing illegal acts before they escalate.
“It was during one such operation along Adekile area of Agugu that a patrol team intercepted an unregistered Bajaj Boxer motorcycle.
“During a search of the pillion, the rider was apprehended on the spot, and a package containing flesh suspected to be human parts (intestine) was recovered.
“Following this discovery, the apprehended pillion rider, identified as Oyategbe Joseph, male, of Ibadan, was interrogated.
“He confessed that he had obtained the suspected human parts from an unknown individual at Oritaperin area and further admitted to selling the items to two persons: Alfa Onaolapo Taiwo, male, aged 46 years, and Pastor Ayodele Taiwo, male, aged 55 years.
“Acting promptly on this intelligence, the Command swiftly apprehended Alfa Onaolapo Taiwo and Pastor Ayodele Taiwo and brought them to the station for interrogation.
“Both suspects confessed to purchasing the suspected human parts from Oyategbe Joseph.
“The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a discreet and thorough investigation.
“Upon the conclusion of investigations, all suspects will be charged to court.
“As a result of these coordinated actions, all three suspects are currently in police custody, and the Command reassures the public that every necessary measure is being taken to ensure that those involved are brought to justice.
“In conclusion, the Oyo State Police Command appeals to members of the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report any information regarding the possession or sale of human parts to the nearest police station or security agency, emphasizing that community cooperation remains critical in maintaining law and order.”
News
12-Year-Old Boy Arrested for S£xually Ass@ulting Woman In Her 60s And Leaving Her With Serious Injuries
A12-year-old boy has appeared in a UK court after he was accused of s£xually ass@ulting a woman in her 60s, leaving her seriously injured.
The woman was found in a property north of Birmingham city centre at around 6.15pm on March 18, bleeding heavily from several wounds and barely conscious, a court heard on Tuesday.
The woman was lying on the floor, n@ked apart from a t-shirt, with cuts to her chest and face, prosecutor Colin Charvill told Birmingham Youth Court.
She remains in hospital in a serious condition, having been placed in an induced coma.
A boy aged 12 has been charged with segxwal assault and wounding, as well as an offence of theft on the same day and intentional strangulation in relation to an alleged incident on February 11.
The defendant, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared in court today where he indicated pleas of not guilty to all of the charges.
He was remanded to youth detention accommodation by District Judge David Murray ahead of an appearance at Birmingham Crown Court on April 21.
West Midlands Police said in a statement: ‘Our enquiries remain ongoing, but we understand how concerning this will be within the community.
‘Our officers will be continuing to provide reassurance in the local area.
‘If anyone has any information regarding suspicious behavior on 18 March or in the days leading up to last Wednesday, details can be submitted via the Major Incident Public Portal or via 101 quoting log 4888 of 18 March.’
News
Christian And Muslim Women Unite To Form Vigilante Group In Jos, Patrol Streets At Night To Combat Crime (Video)
Amid growing insecurity and its escalating effects on local communities, a group of women in Jos has established an all-female vigilante group to tackle violence, theft, and drug-related crimes in the area.
The initiative, highlighted in a Reuters feature on Tuesday, brings together women who say they were compelled to act following what they described as repeated failures of government security promises.
According to members, the group was created as a grassroots effort to contribute to the safety and stability of their communities.
Armed with little more than whips and identification cards, the women patrol neighbourhoods and confront suspected drug dealers and petty criminals. Despite limited resources, they say their presence has begun to yield results.
“We have been able to help reduce thefts, taking of drugs and other vices,” Blessing Ngozi Emmanuel, identified as the group’s leader, was quoted as saying.
The vigilante team currently comprises about 20 women from both Muslim and Christian backgrounds, reflecting a rare show of unity across religious lines in a region often marked by tension.
They conduct nightly patrols between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m., focusing on areas they consider most vulnerable to crime.
However, their work has not come without risks. Some members have reportedly been injured during operations, while others have received threats.
One member said she was warned that she could be made to “disappear” if she continued her involvement.
Despite these dangers, the women insist their mission is strictly to support community security, not to replace formal law enforcement.
They also expressed frustration over the lack of official recognition or support, noting that it was only weeks ago that local government officials visited them, despite months of active operations.
The emergence of the group underscores the worsening security situation in Plateau State, where incidents of violence, abduction, and communal attacks have persisted.
Earlier on Tuesday, SaharaReporters reported the abduction of a senior cleric of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) and Chairman of its Board of Trustees.
The cleric was reportedly taken by unknown gunmen from his residence in Farin Gida, Jos. The incident was confirmed by a source at the church’s headquarters, while a message circulated on its official WhatsApp platform urged members to pray for his safety and swift release.
Jos is not the only part of Plateau grappling with insecurity. In February, survivors recounted how suspected Berom militias allegedly intercepted a commercial vehicle in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, dragged out five trader-passengers, and k!lled them.
The attack reportedly occurred along the Nding axis, just hours after seven people were said to have been k!lled in Ratatis community, Dorowa Babuje, by suspected armed bandits.
One survivor, Abdulazeez Ibrahim, a resident of Gangare in Jos North Local Government Area, described how the victims, identified as Hausa traders travelling to Pankshin for business, were stopped and attacked.
Against this backdrop of persistent violence, the women-led vigilante group in Jos represents both a response to insecurity and a reflection of growing public frustration over gaps in official protection.
Promises by the government to ensure safer communities have failed to materialise with many k!lled, kidnapped from time to time.
-
Business1 year ago
US court acquits Air Peace boss, slams Mayfield $4000 fine
-
Trending1 year agoNYA demands release of ‘abducted’ Imo chairman, preaches good governance
-
Politics1 year agoMexico’s new president causes concern just weeks before the US elections
-
Politics1 year agoPutin invites 20 world leaders
-
Politics1 year agoRussia bans imports of agro-products from Kazakhstan after refusal to join BRICS
-
Entertainment1 year ago
Bobrisky falls ill in police custody, rushed to hospital
-
Entertainment1 year ago
Bobrisky transferred from Immigration to FCID, spends night behind bars
-
Education2 years ago
GOVERNOR FUBARA APPOINTS COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR KEN SARO-WIWA POLYTECHNIC BORI
