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INTERNAL SECURITY: POLICE SETS TO HONOUR SLAIN OFFICERS WHO WERE GRUESOMELY MURDER£D IN DELTA OPERATION

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Police Confirms Arrests of 5 Suspects, as IGP Orders Immediate Payment of Entitlements to Families; Assures Police Leadership’s Commitment to Responsibility, Robust Welfare

The Nigeria Police Force is profoundly saddened by the devastating loss of six (6) courageous officers in Delta State, who exhibited exceptional valour in the face of adversity. These brave officers tragically fell victim to a cowardly ambush by armed assailants while undertaking a mission to investigate the disappearance and rescue of three of their colleagues in the Ohoro Forest, Delta State, while six (6) others are currently missing-in-action. Our hearts extend to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officers during this period of profound sorrow. We stand in solidarity with them, offering our deepest condolences and earnestly praying for the peaceful repose of the departed souls.

The deceased officers include Inspector Abe Olubunmi (IRT) enlisted on 1st August, 2003; Inspector Friday Irorere (51 PMF) enlisted on 1st January, 2003; Sergeant Kuden Elisha (51 PMF) enlisted on 17th October, 2011; Sergeant Akpan Aniette (51 PMF) enlisted on 17th October, 2011; Sergeant Ayere Paul (IRT) enlisted on 17th October, 2011; and Sergeant Ejemito Friday (51 PMF) enlisted on 17th October, 2011. While the officers currently missing-in-action include Inspector Onoja Daniel enlisted 1st February, 2003; Inspector Onogho Felix enlisted on 1st January, 2004; Inspector Emmanuel Okoroafor enlisted 1st April, 2004; Inspector Joel Hamidu enlisted 1st June 2006, Sergeant Moses Eduvie enlisted 17th October, 2011, all of 51 PMF; and Sergeant Cyril Okorie (SWAT) enlisted 17th October, 2011.

Furthermore, the Nigeria Police Force is committed to honouring the memory of our fallen heroes by recognizing their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice. In accordance with this commitment, the Force will posthumously honour the slain officers for their noble service and ultimate sacrifice at the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony scheduled for April 5th, 2024 in Abuja.

In response to this grievous loss, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun Ph.D., NPM, has taken decisive actions as expected. The bodies of six (6) of the slain officers have been recovered after a fierce search conducted by a combined team of police officers and other security outfits. The Force is focussed on the search for the other six (6) officers; while all their families have been duly contacted.

Additionally, the Inspector General of Police has mandated the expedited processing and payment of all entitlements due to the families of the fallen officers, aiming to alleviate any financial burdens they may encounter in this challenging time.

Similarly, immediate measures have been initiated to ensure that justice is served swiftly and the perpetrators of this abhorrent crime are brought to justice. The Inspector General of Police has mandated the deployment of all necessary resources and personnel to apprehend those responsible for this senseless killing of our officers, and this has led to the arrest of five (5) suspects in connection with the preceding incident and the killing, who are currently volunteering information necessary for the rounding up of all the perpetrators.

It is paramount to underscore that contrary to perceived notions in some quarters, the Nigeria Police Force is committed to responding decisively to the loss of its officers and men as a result of the many unforeseen hazards associated with our job due to the dynamics of crimes and criminality globally. Recent incidents, such as the murder of SP Angbashim in Rivers State, where the perpetrators have been painstakingly traced to their hideout and decimated during the exchange of gunfire with gallant operatives of the Force is a vital pointer.

Notable also is the swift and robust response to the attack on the Police Command Headquarters in Adamawa State where one Inspector Jacob Daniel was gruesomely murdered, which was followed by a visit to Adamawa State by the IGP, and timeous response by Mr. President upon being briefed. Equally, efforts were intensified in that regard to seek redress and ensure sanctions for the attackers.

The Nigeria Police Force unequivocally condemns any further assaults on Police Officers and other law enforcement personnel who selflessly dedicate themselves to safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens, reiterating the NPF’s dedication to upholding law and order, and urging our officers to remain resolute in the discharge of their lawful duties, undeterred by such cowardly acts. Similarly, individuals and groups peddling unnecessary and insensitive publications being circulated in the media space are urged not to make light of this loss to the NPF but to sympathize with the police in these sorrowful times.

The Inspector General of Police, while assuring police officers and men, as well as the public that no effort will be spared in bringing the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice as the killers have murdered sleep and will be tracked down to account for their reprehensible acts, calls upon well-meaning members of the public to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force by providing any pertinent information that may aid in the apprehension of the perpetrators. Together, we will ensure that justice is served and peace and security prevail throughout the country.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA

23rd March, 2024

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Nigerian Army Redeploys 466 Soldiers To Osogbo Depot In Major Shake-Up

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According to the posting letter, formation and unit commanders were directed to implement the redeployment as instructed, using the promulgation as their official authority.

In a major personnel shake-up, the Nigerian Army has approved the redeployment and appointment of 466 soldiers to the Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo, Osun State.

According to an exclusive posting letter obtained by Ekwutosblog  on Friday, the directive—dated June 5, 2025—was signed by Major General Y. Yahaya, the Army’s Chief of Personnel Management. The affected personnel are expected to resume at their new postings by June 12, 2025.

“The posting and appointment of the above-named MWO (Master Warrant Officer) and 466 others as contained in Annex A is hereby authorised with effect from 12 June 25,” the letter partly read.

 

According to the posting letter, formation and unit commanders were directed to implement the redeployment as instructed, using the promulgation as their official authority.

 

However, they were also advised to notify the Depot NA Oshogbo and the Department of Personnel Management if any affected soldier was unavailable due to ongoing courses or hospitalisation.

 

“Where a soldier affected by the posting is unavailable to be released due to course or hospitalisation, his commander is to communicate same to Depot NA Oshogbo and this Department indicating the date the soldier is expected back to unit as applicable,” the letter said.

 

Similar troop rotations have occurred in the past, such as the relocation of some units from Yaba to Epe to pave the way for a railway project.

 

The affected units included the 81 Division Base Ordinance Depot, printing press, and tailoring factory.

 

In 2019, the Army announced it had acquired over 440 hectares of land in Epe, where the new barracks would house units such as the 81 Division Base Depot and the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration.

The letter, issued from the Department of Personnel Management at Army Headquarters.

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Nigerian Government Lists Woman ‘Declared Wanted By Police Since 2016’ As Witness To Testify Against Senator Natasha

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A source also confirmed to Ekwutosblog on Friday that Duru listed as number four on the witness list was declared wanted, with a warrant of arrest issued against her in 2016.

A woman identified as Sandra Duru, more commonly known as Prof Mgbeke, who was declared wanted and fled Nigeria after a court issued a warrant of arrest against her in 2016, has been listed as a witness for the Nigerian government in the case against suspended Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

According to court documents obtained by SaharaReporters on Friday, Duru, who is number four on the list of six witnesses is expected to testify against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Further documents showed she (Duru) was previously declared wanted over allegations of obtaining money under false pretence.

A Lagos State magistrate court had in 2017 issued a warrant of arrest for Duru following her failure to appear in court after being granted recognisance.

The warrant reads in part: “Warrant to arrest a person failing to appear pursuant to recognisance… Whereas Sandra Duru of 19A Community Road, off Allen, Ikeja, Lagos State is bound by recognisance to appear before the court on the 31st of July, 2017, but has failed to do so. You are hereby commanded to arrest the said Sandra Duru and bring her before me at Chief Magistrate Court 1, Tinubu.”

A source also confirmed to SaharaReporters on Friday that Duru listed as number four on the witness list was declared wanted, with a warrant of arrest issued against her in 2016.

The source added that she is now expected to testify as a witness, despite being a fugitive who fled the country when a case was filed against her at the time.

“The woman listed as number four on the witness list was declared wanted and fled the country. There’s an active warrant for her arrest. Yet now, she’s being called as a key witness in a case against someone else. It raises serious questions,” the source said.

The Nigeria Senate in March suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for allegedly violating the Senate Standing Rules.

The suspension followed her accusation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she alleged sexually harassed her.

In another court document dated January 12, 2016, obtained by SaharaReporters in a case between the Commissioner of Police and Mrs. Sandra Duru, the defendant was charged on three counts.

 The case was filed in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, in the Abuja Judicial Division, sitting in Abuja.

According to the document, Duru was alleged to have threatened to kill one Mrs. Edith Adefunke Edidot within seven days and also threatened to assassinate her character through a series of phone text messages.

The document further revealed that Duru fraudulently obtained the sum of ten million naira (N10,000,000.00) from Mrs. Edith Adefunke Edidot, knowing the claim to be false.

This act constitutes an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 312, Subsections (1)(a) and (2) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The court read, “That you Mrs. Duru Eluiobi Sandral ‘f sometimes in August, 2015 at about 1300hrs at Badore Ajah in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, in the Lagos Magisterial District did felony to wit obtaining money under false pretence and. thereby committed an offence punishable under section 311 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

“COUNT II: “That you Mrs. Duru Eluiobi Sandral ‘f’ on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District did fraudulently obtained the sum of ten million naira (N10,000,000.00) from Mrs. Edith Adefunke Edidot ‘f knowing same to be false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 312 sub section (1)(a) and (2) of the criminal laws of Lagos State, 2011.

“COUNT III: That you Mrs. Duru Eluiobi Sandral ‘f’ on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District did threatened to kill one Mrs. Edith Adefunke Edidot ‘f’ under seven days and also assassinate her character through series of phone text messages and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 230 of the criminal laws of Lagos State, 2011.”

SaharaReporters had reported days ago that the family of whistleblower and media activist, Obinna Oparaku Akuwudike, raised the alarm over his continued detention and incommunicado status, three weeks after his arrest by officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

The officers were allegedly acting on the orders of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Sources familiar with the Akuwudike’s case insist that the arrest is linked to Akuwudike’s statements during an interview, in which he claimed he was paid ₦2.5 million by Sandra Duru, popularly known as Prof Mgbeke, to create defamatory content targeting Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

He claimed that Duru was acting under the directive and financial sponsorship of Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

“I received money for producing videos but grew concerned after noticing inconsistencies in Duru’s public statements,” Akuwudike had said during the interview, adding that he backed out of the assignment after realising it was a coordinated smear campaign filled with falsehood.

“After that livestream and other things, I began to uncover, I knew I had to come clean. Everything she said about Natasha was fabricated lies,” he added.

The Nigerian government has initiated legal proceedings against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for criminal defamation, following her claims that Senate President Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello conspired to assassinate her.

The case, filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, names the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the complainant, with Natasha as the sole defendant.

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Kano govt denies acquiring $6.6 million loan under Yusuf administration

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The Kano State Government has emphatically denied securing a new $6.6 million external loan under the state government led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, labelling the accusations false, misleading and politically motivated.

The denial was in respect to a report on June 11, 2025, which quoted political group APC Patriotic Volunteers as saying the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) led government has contracted the loan within two years of being in the office.

In a press statement issued by Dr. Hamisu Sadi Ali Director General of the Kano State Public Debt Management Office (PDMO), the state government clarified that the report is “malicious, unfounded, and politically motivated,” and took a swipe against the group under the leadership of Alhaji Usman Alhaji, the group’s leader, which was the Secretary to the State Governor in the administration of ex-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the government’s ally.

“It is surprising and sad that a person who was part of the administration who enacted the Public Debt Management Office Law in 2021, to exhibit such ignorance or deliberate misinformation” the statement explained.
Quoting Section 4(b) of the Public Debt Management Office Law, Dr. Sadi Ali emphasized that no loan can be undertaken by the state government without the direct involvement and knowledge of the PDMO.

He clarified that since taking office, the current NNPP administration has not signed or contracted any new external or domestic loans. Instead, the government has been focusing on servicing what it described as “excessive debts” inherited from the previous administration.

“The APC Patriotic Volunteers should provide verifiable evidence if they insist a loan was obtained. This includes the name of the creditor, a copy of the loan agreement, the intended purpose of the loan, terms and conditions, and records of negotiations,” Dr. Sadi Ali stated.

He added that the people of Kano are well-informed and can distinguish between factual information and politically motivated propaganda.

“The current administration remains committed to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Kano and will not be distracted by politically engineered falsehoods,” he said.

The PDMO concluded its statement by urging the public to disregard what it called a “smear campaign driven by political interests rather than facts.”

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