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Category: Crime

Four-man Anambra phone-snatching gang nabbed, exhibits recovered

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The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a four-man tricycle and phone robbery gang operating in the Awka and Ifite areas of the state and specialising in robbing unsuspecting members of the public.

 

The spokesman for the state command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a press statement on Tuesday, said the police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad carried out the arrest in the early hours of Monday.

 

Ikenga said exhibits recovered from the gang include nine brands of phones, including the victim’s iPhone, one laptop, two tricycles with registration numbers LSD 464 QP and BLF 552 VH, four different tricycle plate numbers and a substance suspected to be a hard drug.

The statement read, “Anambra State Police Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu, in the early hours of August 25, 2025, while on night patrol along the Agu Awka/Ifite Awka axis, intercepted a tricycle and arrested a four-man criminal syndicate specialising in robbing unsuspecting residents, particularly students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, of their phones and other valuables.

 

“The suspects include: Nnaji Chidera ‘m’ 19 years; Chijioke Mmaduabuchi ‘m’ 21 years; Wisdom Ogbonna ‘m’ 19 years, and Afamefuna Egbe ‘m’ 20 years. Exhibits recovered are nine brands of phones, including the victim’s iPhone, one laptop, two tricycles with registration numbers LSD 464 QP and BLF 552 VH, four different tricycle plate numbers and a substance suspected to be a hard drug.

 

“The operatives, upon interrogation of the suspects, confessed to being part of a criminal syndicate that specialises in robbing students within the Awka axis.

 

“They further revealed that the multiple tricycle plate numbers found with them were usually used to disguise their operational vehicles whenever they embarked on armed robbery.”

According to him, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, while commending the operatives for their swift response and urging youths to desist from crime, warned that the Command will not relent in ensuring that criminals face the full weight of the law.

Katsina: Bandits abduct family of 3, kill vigilante during attack

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Residents of the Sabuwar Unguwa area in Katsina city were thrown into panic after suspected bandits invaded the community in the early hours of Monday, August 25, 2025.

 

The armed men, who stormed the neighborhood around 3:00 a.m., reportedly fired several gunshots into the air to scare residents before carrying out the abduction.

 

According to reports, the assailants killed a vigilante member who tried to resist the attack before whisking away one Anas Ahmed, his wife, Halimatu, and their daughter.

 

Local journalist Bakatsine confirmed the incident on Tuesday, describing it as yet another tragic reminder of the growing insecurity in Katsina and other parts of northern Nigeria.

“Yesterday night, bandits attacked Sabuwar Unguwa area, behind NAK Steel company in Katsina city. One VGN member was k!lled, and a young family was abducted from their home. What we once heard from afar is now at our doorstep,” he wrote.

Widow using fake pregnancy to traffic cocaine arrested by NDLEA in Lagos

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

As agency intercepts 90 parcels of Loud in kitchen sinks; arrests dispatch riders distributing illicit drugs in Abuja; destroys 75,544kg skunk in Delta, Ondo, Edo, Taraba forests; recovers 825,000 pills of opioids in Kano, Adamawa, Kogi

 

A 50-year-old widow and fashion designer, Mrs. Ifeoma Henrietta Ezewuike has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over attempt to traffic 1.3 kilograms of cocaine, using fake pregnancy as a façade to escape scrutiny and detection.

The widow who is a mother of one and proprietress of Golden Star Creation, a fashion outfit in Ago palace way, Okota Lagos, was arrested at a bus terminal in Jibowu, Yaba area of the state on Friday 22nd August 2025 while attempting to move the cocaine consignment to customers in Abuja.

A follow up operation at her house in Ago palace area led to the recovery of 200 grams of cutting agent used in the production of a strain of cocaine. In her statement, Ezewuike claimed she inherited the criminal trade from her husband who died two years ago, while she has been in the fashion business for 20 years.

Not less than 90 parcels of Loud, a strain of cannabis weighing 48.6kg, imported from the United States of America and concealed in three cartons of kitchen sink were intercepted at a courier company in Lagos on Tuesday 19th August by NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operation and General Investigation (DOGI).

In Adamawa, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence on Friday 22nd August raided the home of a notorious drug dealer Idris Garba who scaled the fence to escape arrest while one of his associates Boniface Nnaji, 55, who attempted same was caught in the act at Rumde Baru area of Yola South.

Recovered from the premises include a black Toyota Thundra jeep marked FST- 885-CZ driven to Yola by Nnaji to supply Garba 354,480 pills of tramadol 225mg, 250mg and others as well as a Toyota Yaris car with registration number DSA 776 AA.

A total of 5,000 capsules of tramadol, 400 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 200 ampoules of diazepam injection were seized from a suspect Neche Okonkwo at the Idah waterside after crossing the River Niger from Onitsha, Anambra state to Lokoja, Kogi state with the opioids on Wednesday 20th August.

In Kano, the duo of Buhari Ibrahim, 25, and Mansur Musa, 24, were nabbed at Zangon Dakata Ungogo, with 5,850 capsules of pregabaline on Tuesday 19th August, while a total of 452,070 pills of opioids were recovered from the home of a suspect Rabilu Mukhtar who is at large, at Rangaza, Ungogo LGA just as Buhari Idris, 35, was arrested at Tashan Rami area of the state with 140 litres of codeine syrup, both on same Tuesday. No fewer than 7,000 capsules of tramadol were seized from Adamu Yusuf, 29, along Zaria-Kano road, Kwanar Dangora area of the state on Saturday 23rd August.

A total of 2, 289.49 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis were intercepted in three interdiction operations by NDLEA operatives in Kwara state. While 1,232.86kg was recovered from a Mitsubishi Canter truck marked ZUR 66 XT on Wednesday 20th August at Ajase-Ipo area of the state with a suspect, Kabiru Abdullahi arrested, another consignment of same psychoactive substance weighing 328.42kg was seized from Paul Olaniran, 47, in a Mercedes Benz truck marked LSD 659 YE same day, same location.

 

The following day Thursday 21st August, NDLEA operatives intercepted another consignment of skunk weighing 728.21kg in a Mitsubishi Canter truck with registration number GAD 287 XA, at Ajase-Ipo junction, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara state where two suspects: Abubakar Zaki, 44; and Yau Babangida, 45, were arrested. Similarly, two suspects: Awe Sunday, 50; and Ayodele Adedayo, 54, were nabbed at Alafia Quarters, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti state in connection with the seizure of 96 kilograms of skunk.

In Taraba, NDLEA operatives in conjunction with Civil Defence Corps personnel on Wednesday 20th August destroyed 7,500kg skunk on three hectares of farmland at Dadin Kowa village, Bali LGA, while 901kg of same substance was recovered from a warehouse at Uzebba in Owan West LGA, Edo State where a 54-year-old female suspect Fodo Stella Sunday was arrested on Tuesday 19th August.

In other operations in Edo state, a total of 14,233.37 kilograms of skunk were destroyed on four plantations that measured 5.69375 hectares at Ebule forest, Owan West Local Government Area on Wednesday 20th August.

 

 

In Delta state, NDLEA operatives supported by the military destroyed a total of 25,500kg skunk on four plantations measuring 10.2 hectares in Emu-Obiogu community, Ndokwa West LGA on Thursday 21st August, while in Ondo state, 25,025kg of same psychoactive substance was destroyed on three farms with a combined measurement of 10.01 hectares at Asolo camp, Uso area of the state.

Two dispatch riders were on Thursday 21st August arrested by NDLEA officers in a stop and search operation in Jabi area of Abuja for distributing illicit substances in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). While Garba Sule, 29, was caught with 300 milligrams of pentazocine injection, Isaac Augustine, 35, was nabbed with 8.64grams of skunk packaged for delivery.

In the same vein, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to women and teachers at Women Islamiyya School, Kanti Central mosque, Kanti, Katsina state; students and staff of Fathul Bari Islamiyya, Hayin Gwarmai, Bebeji LGA, Kano; while the Abia state command of NDLEA paid WADA advocacy visit to Governor Alex Otti just as Zone 4 command of the Agency paid WADA advocacy visit to HRH Andoma of Doma, Alhaji Ahmadu Aliyu Ogah in his palace in Doma, Nasarawa state.

While commending the officers and men of DOGI, Lagos, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Taraba, Delta, Adamawa, FCT, Ondo, Ekiti and Edo Commands for the arrests, seizures and their dexterity, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to continue with the ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.

65-Year-old Man In Police Net Over Illegal Possession Of 1,100 Live Ammunition in Anambra

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A  65-year-old man, Godwin Akpan, has been arrested for being in illegal possession of 1,100 rounds of live ammunition.

 

The suspect was arrested on by operatives of the the Rapid Response Squad, Akwuzu, Anambra State Police Command, on August 22, 2025.

 

According to a statement on Saturday by the Command’s Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, acting on credible information, the operatives swooped on Akpan at his hideout in Nkpor, Onitsha.

 

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being involved in the illegal sale of ammunition and mentioned other individuals connected to the illicit trade,” Ikenga said.

 

He added that operatives have launched a manhunt to apprehend all accomplices.

How man killed his 5-year-old cousin after parents failed to pay ransom – Police

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The Enugu State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the abduction and killing of a five-year-old boy in Udi Local Government Area of the state.

 

Police spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, identified the suspects as Ikediekpere Obodoagu (18) and Sunday Michael (24).

 

According to the statement, Obodoagu, the prime suspect, allegedly conspired with Michael to carry out the heinous crime, which has shocked the local community.

 

The victim, Wisdom, was the prime suspect’s cousin. They hail from Okinitor village, Amankwo Ngwo, a community in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu.

The alleged accomplice is a security guard at 9th Mile and a native of Mayo-Belwa Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria’s north-east.

 

Mr Ndukwe said the victim was reported missing on 26 July 2025 after which the prime suspect used his accomplice to demand N1 million ransom from the victim’s father.

 

The police spokesperson explained that the prime suspect’s use of an accomplice to demand ransom was an attempt to protect his identity.

 

He said the suspects were arrested on 11 and 12 August 2025 by police operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad, following intelligence gathered after ransom demands were reported.

 

“When the ransom went unmet, the suspect murdered the child and buried him in a bush near their residence in Okinitor, Amankwo Ngwo, Udi Local Government Area,” he said.

 

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime. The prime suspect thereafter led operatives to the scene, where the victim’s body was exhumed in the presence of medical personnel, including a doctor, who certified the child dead,” Mr Ndukwe narrated.

 

Mr Ndukwe said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Bitrus Giwa, has commiserated with the bereaved family and assured them that the suspects will be arraigned upon conclusion of investigations.

 

Mr Giwa reiterated that the police in the state are committed to detecting and preventing heinous crimes and ensuring justice in the state.

Anambra Police Command Warns Vigilante Groups Quasi-security Outfits Against Brutality, Abuse Of Authority

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The Anambra Police Command has warned vigilante groups and other quasi-security outfits against acts of brutality or abuse of authority against residents of the State.

 

The Command gave the warning on Tuesday in a statement by its Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on an alleged assault on a yet-to-be-identified female member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

 

The assault was reportedly carried out by vigilante operatives at Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of the State.

 

The Command while disclosing that the suspects involved have been identified, warned that any such misconduct will not be condoned.

 

“The Command, however, notes that the alleged victim’s unavailability has temporarily stalled the ongoing investigative process.

 

“Meanwhile, the Command has reiterated that assault in any form remains a criminal offence under the Nigerian Law and reserves the right to take necessary legal action to aid the court proceedings while waiting for the victim,” the statement said.

 

While reassuring Corps members serving across the State of its unwavering commitment to their protection, the Command urged them to always report incidents of harassment, intimidation, or abuse for prompt intervention.

Two drug kingpins Emami, Akpomuai convicted, sentenced to 10 years imprisonment

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By Ebinum Samuel 

 

Their conviction an indication NDLEA strategies are working, says Marwa

 

Two notorious drug kingpins: 37-year-old Ajetsibo Emami popularly known as ‘Warri Kinsman’ and 51-year-old Solomon Akpomuai have been convicted and sentenced to a combined 10 years imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Lagos.

Emami was arrested in Ikeja Lagos on Saturday 28th June 2025 after NDLEA operatives dismantled his drug trafficking network in a three-day operation leading to the arrest of three other suspects. Recovered from Emami’s network were 24 jumbo bags containing 681 pouches of Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis weighing 414.2 kilograms.

The bust of Emami’s drug ring followed credible intelligence on his attempt to move the shipment to Lekki area of Lagos, from where it will be distributed to other parts of the state and across the country.

He was subsequently arraigned before Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court 8 Lagos in charge number FHC/L/636C/2025 bordering on dealing in illicit drugs. In his ruling delivered on Monday 18th August 2025, the trial judge convicted Emami on the one count charge filed against him by NDLEA prosecutor Assistant Commander of Narcotics Buhari Shuaibu Abdullahi and sentenced him to six years in prison with an option of N50million in lieu of jail.

In his case, Solomon Akpomuai was first arrested by men of Customs Service along Shagamu-Ijebu-Ode expressway with 2,197.8 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis on 3rd June 2025 and transferred to NDLEA on 16th June after which he was arraigned in charge number FHC/L/635C before Justice Dipeolu for trafficking illicit drugs in large commercial quantity. Also delivering his judgement on the matter, the trial judge convicted and sentenced Akpomuai to four years in prison with an option of N50million fine.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) described the conviction of the two drug kingpins as an indication that Nigeria will sooner than later surmount the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking as a result of the positive outcomes of the current balanced approach to the Agency’s drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts. He commended the judiciary, NDLEA officers involved in the investigation and prosecution of the cases as well as other stakeholders for their commitment to the cause of a drug free country.

Missing Nigerian woman found dead in United States

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Authorities in Illinois, United States, have confirmed that human remains discovered in the Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve belong to Olasinmibo Abosede, a 42-year-old Nigerian woman popularly known as Sinmi, who had been missing since July 30.

 

According to a joint statement released Thursday by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County and the Naperville Police Department, the body was located at about 1:55 p.m. near 83rd Street and Chandelle Drive. Officers responding to a call were guided through thick grass to the spot where the remains were found.

 

Investigators said the clothing on the body matched what Abosede was last seen wearing. Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres said, “While we believe the individual to be Sinmi, the final confirmation will be made by the DuPage County Coroner’s Office.

We are deeply saddened by this loss and extend our sincere condolences to the Abosede family during this difficult time. Thank you to everyone in our community who assisted with this investigation and for your care and concern. We ask that everyone keep the family in your thoughts and respect their privacy during this difficult time.”

 

Abosede was last spotted leaving her home west of Springbrook Golf Course for a morning walk. Her husband, Gbenga Abosede, said surveillance footage captured her walking away from their neighborhood. She was seen around 9:20 a.m. in the 2100 block of Sudbury Street, wearing a long-sleeved black Adidas jacket, gray sweatpants, a black headscarf, and black Crocs.

 

Police and volunteers, including canine teams, had been searching the forest preserve for weeks. Forest Preserve District Police Chief David Pederson added, “Our hearts go out to Sinmi’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

 

Investigators say there is no sign of foul play, though an autopsy will be conducted by the DuPage County Coroner’s Office. Forest preserve police are leading the investigation with assistance from Naperville police.

Notorious drug kingpin arrested in Delta as NDLEA intercepts N7.8bn opioids in Rivers

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

Destroys 48,750kg skunk in Enugu, Taraba forests; recovers 538,980 pills of tramadol in Kogi, Kaduna, Gombe, others; arrests woman, son for drug trafficking in Lagos

 

Three years after launching a manhunt for him over drug trafficking offences, a notorious drug kingpin, 36-year-old Sunday Ibigide has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Asaba, Delta state while attempting to move 250 blocks of skunk weighing 138 kilograms with his distribution bus.

Ibigide came under searchlight on 19th March 2022 in connection with the seizure of 24.137kg of same psychoactive substance and 10grams of molly but thereafter went underground. However, following credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives in Delta state were able to arrest him along with one of his aides Clement Osuya, 27, while they were trying to move the 250 parcels of skunk for distribution on Sunday 10th August 2025.

No fewer than six suspects were arrested on Thursday 14th and Friday 15th August when NDLEA operatives supported by the military and vigilantes raided three cannabis farms in Enugu Ezike, Enugu state where a total of 37,500kg skunk was destroyed on 15 hectares of farmland. Those arrested include: Ugwuanyi Chinaso, 23; James Negedu, 26; Sopuruchukwu Obido, 22; Ebuka Onu, 30; Ukwueze Sunday, 42; and Oguche Friday; while 74.5kg of the illicit substance was recovered for the prosecution of the suspects.

While 20,700 pills of tramadol and cocodamol were seized from a suspect Emmanuel Ayogu, 53, by NDLEA officers on patrol along Nsukka road, 9th mile Enugu on Saturday 16th August, two other suspects: Nsubechukwu Achidde, 24, and Osiaja Simple Frank, 41, were arrested with 27.6kg skunk same day at the new market, Enugu.

In Lagos, a 52-year-old woman Muyibat Mumuni was arrested with her son Faruk Mumuni, 25, by NDLEA operatives at Ladega street, Mushin on Wednesday 13th August for storing and distributing 298 blocks of Ghana Loud weighing 149kg while another suspect Emmanuel Samuel was nabbed on Friday 15th August in Ajah area of Lekki where 8.5kg Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis was recovered from their apartment

Not less than 128,000 capsules of tramadol were recovered from a suspect Sani Mohammed,32, who was arrested by NDLEA officers at Jauro Jatau, Gombe, Gombe state on Monday 11th August, while a total of 337, 800 capsules of the same pharmaceutical opioid were seized by operatives on patrol along Okene-Lokoja highway, Kogi state from the driver of a commercial bus, Sulaiman Oyedokun, 47, coming from Onitsha, Anambra state and heading to Kotangora, Niger state.

While a total of 11, 250kg skunk was destroyed on 4.5 hectares of farmland on Tuesday 12th August when NDLEA operatives assisted by Sardauna Emirate Council and the Nigeria Forest Hunters Security Service raided the Tanmiya forest in Sardauna LGA, Taraba state, 29, 840 capsules of tramadol were seized from a suspect Saleh Babangida, 20, at a check point in Wukari area of the state on Saturday 16th August.

In Kaduna, two suspects: Mohammed Amdife, 46, and Sulaiman Mohammed, 22, were arrested in connection with the seizure of 22, 640 pills of tramadol and rohypnol at Gwargwaje check point, Zaria and Tudun Wada area of the state. Two other suspects: Caroline David, 51, and Abdulhadi Umar, 30, were nabbed over the seizure of 111.1kg skunk intercepted along Zaria – Kano road.

At the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers state, a total of 875,000 bottles of codeine based syrup worth over N6.1billion in street value and 3, 500,000 pills of trodol benzhexol valued at N1.7billion were recovered from five containers under NDLEA intelligence tracking and watch-list during joint examination with Customs Service and other security agencies on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th August at the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) of the Onne port.

In Edo, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 13th August recovered 24 bags of skunk weighing 432kg in a bush along Warake-Auchi road in Etsako West LGA, while 130kg of same substance was seized at a warehouse in Sobe, Owan West LGA the following day.

A suspect Tahiru Madu Manga, 25, was nabbed by NDLEA officers along Zaria-Kano road, with 16kg skunk and another suspect Ibrahim Audu, 47, arrested with 76kg of the same psychoactive substance at Gadar Tamburawa along Zaria-Kano road, Kano state on Wednesday 13th August.

No fewer than 4, 320 ampoules of ketamine injection were intercepted by NDLEA operatives at Gbaji checkpoint along Badagry-Lagos highway on Monday 11th August with a suspect Akeem Adegun arrested.

In like manner, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA advocacy visits to former Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar in Minna, Niger state; the Emir of Borgu kingdom, HRH Alhaji Muhammad Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro IV, in Borgu kingdom, Niger state ; the Emir of Lafia, Hon. Justice Sidi Bage Mohammed (Rtd), in Lafia, Nasarawa state and the Shehu of Borno, HRH Dr. Abubakar Umar Ibn Garbai Elkanemi, in Maiduguri, Borno state, among others.

While commending the officers and men of PHPC, Gombe, Kogi, Lagos, Edo, Kano, Delta, Taraba, and Seme Commands for the arrests, and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to continue with the ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.

BREAKING: We’ve captured Nigeria’s most wanted terror kingpin -Ribadu

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    Security forces have captured Abu Baraa, the notorious leader of the Ansaru terrorist network, after an intensive operation that spanned several months.   National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu disclosed the development during a special briefing at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre in Abuja.   Ribadu, who was flanked by service chiefs and intelligence heads, said the operation followed a prolonged surveillance effort that began in May and culminated in Baraa’s capture in July.   “I am glad to inform you that we have successfully concluded a high-risk, intelligence-led, counter-terrorism operation which led to the capture of the top leadership of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, commonly known as ANSARU, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate,” Ribadu said. He explained that Ansaru, which declared its presence publicly in Kano in 2012 after splintering from Boko Haram, originally presented itself as a “humane alternative” before turning to attacks on security operatives, civilians, and government facilities.   “The group publicly displayed the setting sun logo of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), signaling its ideological and operational alignment with global jihadist movements,” Ribadu added.   According to him, Ansaru had entrenched itself in both urban hideouts and forest camps, particularly around Kainji National Park, which spans Niger and Kwara states and extends into Benin Republic.