EVENTS

RIVERS STATE POLICE ARREST 13-MEMBER GANG SPECIALIZING IN HIJACKING, DIVERTING TRAILER LOADs OF GOODS

Published

1 year ago

May 28, 2024

The Rivers State Police Command has successfully apprehended a 13-member criminal syndicate involved in hijacking and diverting trailer loads of goods, following an attempted burglary investigation.

On March 4, 2024, a distress call alerted the police to a burglary attempt at warehouses in Elimgbu, owned by Mr. Emmanuel Nwangwu and Mrs. Ndifreke Ekanem. Police officers arrived promptly, arresting five suspects who had been severely beaten by a mob. These suspects were taken to the police hospital for treatment and subsequent interrogation.

Spokesperson of the Rivers state Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko revealed that two of the arrested suspects were security personnel: West Isaac (08NA/61/2653), a corporal in the Nigerian Army, and Jabila Kammangar, alias ‘Kaka,’ an officer in the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Both confessed to abandoning their posts to partake in lucrative criminal activities in Rivers State.

Corporal West, a 36-year-old father of four from Buguma, joined the Army in 2008 and served in Delta State. He failed to return from a sick pass, remaining AWOL for over a month. He disclosed that he met Kaka while serving in the Army’s Anti-Bunkering Unit. Their criminal activities included warehouse raids and hijacking trailers. They used military gear and a white Hilux van to intimidate and assault drivers, then diverted the goods to waiting receivers.

West’s confession led to the arrest of three other Army personnel: Lance Corporal Abdul Musa (13NA/70/10545), Lance Corporal Mgbe Jeoffrey (16NA/75/6896), and Corporal Innocent Okwoli (12NA/68/6552). Additionally, eight civilian collaborators were apprehended: Olisa Emeka, George Obilor, Sampson Wilson, Alfred Abeke, Barry John, Auwalu Aliyu, Uchenna Nwali, and Alhaji Sofinu Haruna.

Corporal Innocent Okwoli, a native of Otakpo in Benue State, was identified as the group’s key coordinator. He started leading hijacking operations after being introduced to the activity by an individual named Abbas and two unnamed Naval officers. Among their crimes were the hijacking of a trailer loaded with fertiliser worth N25 million on February 17, 2024, the attempted burglary on March 4, 2024, and the hijacking of a 40-foot container of imported clothing and a trailer of POP cement in February 2024. The police have recovered the stolen POP cement and the white Toyota Hilux used in their operations.

The three implicated soldiers have been dismissed from the Nigerian Army and handed over to the police for prosecution. Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, commended the military for their cooperation and prompt action in addressing the misconduct. He praised the police officers involved in the arrest and urged continued vigilance. |Follow Ekwutosblog

EVENTS

Yakubu Commends Tinubu, Wike Over New INEC Annex Project

Published

39 minutes ago

June 17, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu has praised President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for initiating the construction of a new annex office to address congestion at INEC’s current headquarters.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday in Abuja, with Yakubu noting the facility will ease accommodation challenges and support the commission’s growing operations.

EVENTS

CDS visits Benue after deadly attacks

Published

8 hours ago

June 17, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, on Monday visited Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, days after a deadly attack that left about 160 people feared dead.

The visit followed Friday night’s massacre reportedly carried out by suspected armed herders and bandits.

According to reports, General Musa’s visit is part of efforts by the military to assess the situation on the ground and reassure affected residents of the government’s commitment to restoring peace.

The Defence Chief is also scheduled to meet with Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi.

EVENTS

CP Bakori declares war on thuggery in Kano, orders raids on hideouts

Published

2 days ago

June 15, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has issued a firm directive to his officers to launch aggressive operations against the menace of thuggery, known locally as Daba, in a renewed effort to restore lasting peace across the state.

The move came after a high-level security summit held on Friday, June 14, 2025, which brought together Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, as well as Tactical and Operational Commanders from across the state.

This is contained in a statement signed by DSP Abdullahi Hussaini, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police on Sunday.

Speaking during the meeting, CP Bakori declared an all-out offensive on criminal gangs and warned that thuggery would no longer be tolerated in any part of Kano.

“Thuggery will no longer be tolerated,” the police boss stated, urging his commanders to intensify operations and ensure such threats are “nipped in the bud.”

He further assured the people of Kano that, “they will continue to enjoy uninterrupted peace and security, enabling them to sleep with their two eyes closed.” To back his words with action, the Police Command announced a three-pronged strategy to stamp out criminal elements.

These include intelligence-led raids targeting known hideouts, stronger collaboration with community leaders to co-develop security solutions, and coordination with other security agencies to ensure a united response.

While the police ramp up enforcement, CP Bakori also made a passionate appeal to citizens to support security agencies by remaining vigilant and sharing timely information.

“Members of the public are urged to cooperate with the Police and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station,” the statement read.

Residents can reach the police through the following emergency numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575, or 09029292926.