News

Police kill seven kidnappers, arrest five suspects in Delta, Kaduna

The Nigeria Police Force says it has killed seven suspected kidnappers and arrested five alleged armed robbers in separate raids across Delta and Kaduna states.

Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed this in a statement on Monday, referencing the force’s intensified intelligence-led strategies and collaboration with local security outfits.

According to the statement, on June 4, 2025, operatives of the Delta State Police Command, acting on intelligence and supported by local vigilantes and anti-cult volunteers, engaged suspected kidnappers along the Abraka Railway axis.

It said the encounter resulted in a fierce gun duel, during which four suspects were neutralised. One AK-47 rifle and thirteen rounds of live ammunition were recovered at the scene.

In a separate operation along the Ughelli–Patani Road, the Command’s CP-Special Assignment Team intercepted a shuttle bus near Ewhereni Junction.

The occupants reportedly opened fire on the police in an attempt to flee, prompting a gun battle that led to the neutralisation of three more suspects.

Officers recovered another AK-47 rifle loaded with eighteen rounds of live ammunition. Preliminary investigations revealed that the group was part of a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating in the state.

The statement added that, in Kaduna State, police operatives apprehended five suspected armed robbers linked to a criminal syndicate believed to have been terrorising residents for some time.

The arrests followed the recovery of a Toyota Hilux vehicle stolen on 28th May 2025 from the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja.

One of the suspects, Mohammed Kabir from Samaru Gusau in Zamfara State, was captured after a high-speed chase near Zaria town. Further investigations led to the recovery of a Toyota Camry abandoned near the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway.

Additionally, a Honda CR-V was recovered following the arrest of one Emmanuel Oliseh, who reportedly stole the vehicle in Abuja.

The statement noted that a separate stop-and-search operation led to the interception of a 1998 model Toyota Camry, with three occupants — Ibrahim Bala, Abdulsalam Abdullahi, and Abdulraman Muktar — confessing that the vehicle was stolen from Nasarawa State.

Commending the officers involved, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun lauded their response to intelligence. The statement added that he emphasised the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the public, urging citizens to continue providing timely information to support efforts at safeguarding communities.

News

Four arrested as police uncover N500m Canadian-Australian visa scam

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four individuals in connection with a visa scam that defrauded over 100 Nigerians of approximately ₦500 million.

The suspects, identified as Blessing Wefsutu (27), Chineye Christian (36), Archibong Udeme Ifereke (23), and Maurine Peter (25), were apprehended by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). All four are reportedly staff members of an educational consultancy firm located in the Ago Okota area of Lagos, where the fraudulent activities were allegedly carried out.

According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the suspects deceived their victims with false promises of securing work visas to Canada and Australia.

The case, initially lodged at the Ago Okota Division, was later transferred to the SCID for deeper investigation. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects fraudulently obtained ₦500 million from over 100 unsuspecting victims,” Hundeyin stated.

Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, advised the public to exercise caution when dealing with travel and recruitment agencies. “Residents must exercise due diligence to avoid falling victim to such scams. The Command remains committed to pursuing justice and protecting residents from fraudsters and other criminal elements,” Jimoh said.

Further investigations uncovered that the syndicate includes other accomplices who are currently on the run. The police have assured the public that efforts are underway to locate and arrest all individuals involved.

The arrested suspects are currently in custody as the investigation continues.

News

Nigerian Air Force to acquire 49 new aircraft by 2026

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has announced plans for a major expansion of the Nigerian Air Force’s aerial fleet, with the acquisition of 49 state-of-the-art aircraft scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.Nearby concert tickets

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Aircraft Engineering Conference held at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) headquarters in Abuja, Abubakar said the incoming aircraft will include three CASA 295 transport planes, 10 AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters, 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, and 24 M-346 fighter jets.

“These aircraft are all high-tech platforms that require very sophisticated maintenance activities to operate effectively,” the Air Marshal stated during his address at the event themed, Enhancing Aircraft Serviceability in the NAF through Strong Maintenance Culture and Strategic Partnerships.

He underscored the need for NAF personnel to adopt advanced, innovative, and data-driven maintenance practices, stressing that the expansion in operational capability must be backed by robust engineering and logistics support systems.Nigerian fashion

“In the last two years, NAF has reached new heights in operational capability. But this progress must be matched by robust support systems to ensure sustained air power delivery in pursuit of national security goals,” Abubakar said.

He added that significant investments have already been made in logistics infrastructure, spare parts, and ground support tools to ensure that all operable aircraft are fully serviceable by the fourth quarter of 2025.

Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Vice Marshal A.I. Amodu, also spoke at the event, describing aircraft engineering as “the backbone that supports the NAF’s mission and objectives.”

He said the rapidly evolving security landscape demanded a proactive and responsive approach to aircraft maintenance, and emphasized the importance of the annual conference as a platform for exchanging ideas, refining strategies, and promoting a culture of engineering excellence.

In addition to the planned acquisitions, the NAF has taken delivery of 15 new aircraft in the last two years. These include six T-129 ATAK helicopters, two AW-109 Trekker Type A helicopters, three Beechcraft King Air surveillance aircraft, and four Diamond 62 reconnaissance planes.

News

Bandits abduct ward councillor and others in Katsina

Armed bandits have abducted several people, including a ward councillor, Hon. Buhari Aliyu Daudawa, in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Security analyst Bakatsine, who disclosed this on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 said the attack occurred on Monday night in Daudawa community.

According to the conflict journalist, the gunmen kidnapped Buhari Aliyu Daudawa, who serves as the councillor representing Daudawa ward, along with several other residents.

“Yesterday night, bandits invaded Daudawa in Faskari LGA, Katsina State. They abducted several people including the ward Councillor, Hon. Buhari Aliyu Daudawa during the invasion,” Bakatsine wrote.

The exact number of abducted victims is still unknown at the time of filing this report.