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Rivers: Four arrested over disappearance of Corps member

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested four suspects over the disappearance of a member of the National Youths Service Corps identified as Yahya Faruq, in Ikuru town in Andoni Local Government Area of the state.

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria reported that Faruq went missing on Monday, October 4, 2024.

The corps member who was posted to a secondary school in Ikuru town for his primary assignment and works part-time in a mining company in the area, has not been seen after eight days.

The spokesperson of the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday, October 23, said investigation is ongoing.

“The Rivers State Police Command is actively investigating the disappearance of Mr. Yahaya Faruk, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who was deployed to Community Secondary School, Ikuru Town, and has been missing since October 14, 2024,” the statement read.

“On October 15, 2024, the principal of Community Secondary School, Ikuru Town, Mr. Anderson Awaji Ogbana, reported to the Ngo Divisional Police Headquarters that Mr. Faruk could not be located within the school premises or the surrounding community.

“It was later revealed that Mr. Faruk had been involved in casual employment with LDM Mining Company, also located in Ikuru Town.

“Upon receiving this report, the Police summoned Mr. Wen Hauiguo, the manager of LDM Mining Company, for questioning. On October 16, 2024, he was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), where he admitted to employing Mr. Faruk as a casual worker on the night shift, from 4:00 PM to midnight.

However, Mr. Wen stated that he was unaware of Mr. Faruk’s status as a serving corps member. Further inquiries were conducted with the site manager, Mr. Lai Ding Chi, who disclosed that on the evening of October 14, 2024, between 9:00 and 10:00 PM, two unidentified individuals arrived on a motorcycle, after which Mr. Faruk left his duty post and accompanied them.

“In addition, several other individuals who worked alongside Mr. Faruk during the same shift – Joseph Godstime, Levi Stephen, Ejit-Awaji Michael, and Ishmael Jireh – have also been questioned under caution, all of whom denied any involvement in the disappearance.

“On October 18, 2024, the Commissioner of Police personally interviewed all parties involved. The Command has adopted a multi-pronged approach, utilizing advanced technology to expedite the search for Mr. Faruk.

“In addition, officers from the State CID have been directed to collaborate with the Community Development Committee (CDC) and other key stakeholders in Ikuru Town, with the aim of strengthening local efforts to locate the missing corps member.

“The CDC Chairman has assured the Police that the community is fully engaged in the search, having extended their efforts to neighbouring areas, and is optimistic that positive developments will emerge soon.

“The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Mr. Yahaya Faruk, calls on his family to reach out to the Command for collaborative efforts, and urges anyone with pertinent information to assist the investigation.”

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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.

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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.

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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.