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ANAMBRA POLICE TO HOST CHRISTMAS CAROL OF NINE LESSONS AND END-OF-YEAR PARTY

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

The Anambra State Police Command, according to its spokesman, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, is set to hold a Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons and End-of-Year Party with the theme “Policing: A Shared Responsibility” today by 5pm at Vertex View Hall, Nibo, Awka.

The event, the Command says will bring together Ndi Anambra, Security Stakeholders, Community leaders, and other relevant partners across the State to celebrate the festive season and reflect on the collective role of citizens and security agencies in maintaining peace and public safety.

The Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc mnips PhD, notes that the event is aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Police and residents, while fostering unity, trust, and shared commitment to security. It also serves as an opportunity to appreciate stakeholders for their support and cooperation throughout the year.

The Anambra Police Command is using the occasion to call for renewed collective commitment from residents to sustain the relative safety and security enjoyed in the State during the festive period and beyond, especially as the State prepares for the year 2026.

The Command reassures Ndi Anambra of its continued dedication to protecting lives and property, while urging everyone to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and supportive of security efforts across their communities.

SUSTAINING SAFETY DURING YULETIDE: ANAMBRA POLICE ARRESTS FAKE ARMED VIGILANTE OPERATIVES ROBBING INNOCENT RESIDENTS IN AWKA. (PHOTOS). #PRESS RELEASE.

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SUSTAINING SAFETY DURING YULETIDE: ANAMBRA POLICE ARRESTS FAKE ARMED VIGILANTE OPERATIVES ROBBING INNOCENT RESIDENTS IN AWKA.

 

In furtherance of the ongoing investigations on a Case of Criminal Conspiracy and Armed Robbery, Police Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu have arrested five suspects and recovered two pump-action guns, five live cartridges, one ash coloured shuttle bus, face masks, plate number and other incriminating items at Ring Road, Nibo, Awka.

The suspects all males include: Solomon Saddah, Okolocha George Kaosisochukwu, John Obi Ogwaju, Chukwuemeka Chisom Ikenwa and Eze Obinna Joshua.

 

During interrogation, the suspects made useful statements admitting involvement in criminal activities, and revealed how they operate in a shuttle bus under the guise of vigilante personnel to commit havoc. They are currently cooperating with the Police and providing information that will assist in uncovering other criminal collaborators and networks.

The Anambra State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property and urges residents to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information.

Further developments will be communicated accordingly.

SP Ikenga Tochukwu

Police Public Relations Officer

Anambra State Police Command

21st December, 2025.

DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND RESPONDS TO MISLEADING ONLINE REPORTS; REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON POLICE WITHDRAWAL FROM VIP DUTIES. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE

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20th December, 2025

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND RESPONDS TO MISLEADING ONLINE REPORTS; REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON POLICE WITHDRAWAL FROM VIP DUTIES

The Delta State Police Command has observed with concern a misleading online report published by Sahara reporters  alleging that the Command has flouted the Presidential directive on the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP duties. The Command categorically states that the report is false, unfounded, and misleading. The purported story suggesting non-compliance by the Delta State Police Command emanates from unverified social media posts and reports that do not reflect the factual position of the Command or the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

The allegation that officers remain attached to a resident identified as Sunny Nwakaego in Sapele despite a directive from the Presidency is incorrect and should be disregarded. The command does not have personnel attached to the said person as published by Sahara reporters. However it’s pertinent to state that That on 12th December 2025, the DPO Sapele division received a distress call from one precious Itorho and Believe Odorkor against the said Sunday Okeke. Their disagreement over an undisclosed business transaction led to a fued and the DPO Sapele acted swiftly and invited all parties to the division where statements were recorded and they were granted bail while investigation continued.

The Command wishes to reaffirm that it is in full compliance with the directive of the Federal Government, as conveyed by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, directing the nationwide withdrawal and redeployment of officers from personal VIP attachments to core policing duties. Implementation has been carried out in a structured and professional manner to ensure public safety is not compromised.

The Delta State Command reaffirms its commitment to the safety and security of all citizens and continues to implement government policies with professionalism, discipline, and transparency. Members of the press are urged to verify information from the command through the office of the Police public relations officer before publication.

SP. BRIGHT EDAFE, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD

POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,

DELTA STATE COMMAND,

ASABA

New drug test policy for schools will cut down substance abuse among youth – Marwa

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

Commends Taraba university for anti-drug abuse initiatives, partnership with NDLEA

 

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) has said that the newly launched drug test policy for schools in Nigeria will discourage the craving to abuse illicit substances by young Nigerians especially those aspiring to gain admission into tertiary institutions.

Marwa stated this weekend when he received the Vice Chancellor of the Taraba State University, Professor Sunday Paul Bako who led a team of his management staff to seek partnership with the Agency on the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

According to the NDLEA boss, “we’re glad to work and partner with you, your university and the Taraba state government on this matter and it’s a good thing that what you’re doing aligns with the new national policy for tertiary institutions that includes compulsory and random drug integrity tests for students. This initiative is a joint effort between the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to combat substance abuse among young people in schools across the country.

 

 

“At the NDLEA, we have been pushing for this and we’re happy we have a dependable partner in the Minister of Education and members of his team who worked with us and supported us on this. This is not in anyway punitive but a strategic push that will largely discourage our youths from going into substance abuse because they know at every stage of their education, they will face compulsory drug test. We are fully prepared to work with all schools to ensure the success of this great initiative that will make positive impact on youth development, security and national productivity in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”

He commended the VC for leading the pack by establishing a full Directorate of Narcotics and Drug Abuse Prohibition in the institution, with a promise to support his efforts through capacity building training and other areas of collaboration.

In his remarks, Prof Bako commended the Marwa leadership of NDLEA for its professionalism, openness and collaborative spirit, which has earned the Agency national and international accolades. “We are particularly pleased to visit at a time when your excellent and unwavering commitment in the fight against drugs and illicit substances abuse/trafficking earns you another five years of tenure renewal. Your relentless efforts in combatting substance abuse have contributed significantly to protecting our youths and preserving the future of our nation.”

He noted that his visit was borne out of his concern about the challenge of drug and substance abuse among young people, which poses serious threat to academic excellence, moral values, and national development.

“This visit seeks to strengthen the relationship between Taraba State University, Jalingo and the National Drug law Enforcement Agency which started way back since 22nd August, 2024 during the inauguration of the Directorate of Narcotics and Drug Abuse Prohibition and the launch of WADA by the NDLEA Taraba state command, as well as the TSU Drug Free Club patrons/officials.

“We firmly believe that effective drug control and prevention require a multi-sectoral approach involving law enforcement agencies, academic institutions, and the wider society.

In this regard, Taraba State University is eager to partner with your agency in areas such as collaborative research on drug abuse and substance use disorder, policy-oriented studies, public enlightenment and sensitization programmes, capacity building training, student internship opportunities, and community outreach initiatives within Taraba state and beyond. Partnership with the NDLEA will further strengthen our institutional policies and programmes in this critical area”, he stated.

PSC RECEIVES MD/CEO OF FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA LIMITED ON COURTESY VISIT: Renews Strategic Partnership

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (rtd), mni, received the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, on a courtesy visit to the Commission’s Corporate Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.

 

The visit focused on renewing and strengthening the existing strategic partnership between the Commission and First Bank of Nigeria Limited, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, staff welfare, and collaborative initiatives in support of the Commission’s efforts in promoting transparency and ethical policing in Nigeria.

 

According to the Commision’s image maker, Torty Njoku Kalu, during the interactive session, both parties reaffirmed commitments to deepening mutual cooperation for the overall benefit of the Commission, Nigeria Police Force and the nation at large.

 

 

The Chairman expressed appreciation for the visit and assured of the Commission’s readiness to sustain the cordial relationship.

 

He noted that partnerships with reputable private sector leaders like FirstBank are invaluable in building a professional, accountable, and citizen-centred policing system.

 

DIG (Dr.) Taiwo Lakanu, (rtd), a Board Member and Chairman, Standing Committee on NPF Matters in the Commission as well as Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission, expressed optimism in the renewed relationship between the two institutions during the visit on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

CP Anambra Reads Riot Act, Leads Walk Against Cultism, Other Vices

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By Ebinum Samuel       The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc MNIPS PhD, today, led key stakeholders, officers and men of the Command and concerned members of the public on a walk and advocacy campaign against cultism and other social vices.   According to SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Command image maker, While addressing participants during the exercise, the CP read the riot act to individuals involved in cultism and other criminal activities, warning that the Command will not tolerate any act capable of threatening public peace and security across the State.     Orutugu noted that the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) remains a community-driven initiative of the Nigeria Police Force, on engagement, advocacy, prevention, and strategic partnerships rather than enforcement alone.   Stakeholders present at the event included the Staff of the Red Cross Society of Nigeria, Hon. Ken Okoli, Youth President General Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), Hon Kingsley Ezika, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security (Anti-Cultism) and Chairman, POCACOV Anambra State, Comrade Surveyor Emeka Obi, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Anambra State, Chief Mike Ozoemena the Managing Director, Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA) amongst others. Also in attendance were representatives of the Keke and Bus Drivers’ Unions who pledged their support to the Police Command by sustaining the advocacy and providing timely information that would help nip to the bud cultism and other crime-related activities in the State.   The Commissioner of Police reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on cult-related violence, assuring residents that the Police will continue to deploy all lawful strategies to prevent crime, apprehend offenders, and maintain law and order throughout Anambra State.     He further called on parents, community leaders, religious bodies, transport unions, and youth groups to join hands with the Police by guiding young people away from cultism and other vices and by promptly reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.

NDLEA secures order to detain vessel, 21 crew members over cocaine shipment from Brazil

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

We remain resolute to frustrate drug syndicates targeting Nigeria, says Marwa

 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured an order of a Federal High Court in Lagos to detain a ship, its captain and 20 other crew members following the seizure of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine in the hatch of the commodity vessel from Brazil at the Apapa seaport in Lagos by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Operatives of the NDLEA acting on credible intelligence had on 6th December 2025 discovered the cocaine consignment aboard the merchant vessel MV San Anthonio from Brazil. After the full discharge of cargo from the ship, a total of 21 crew members of diverse nationalities including Russia, Phillipines, Ukraine and Azerbaijan were taken into NDLEA custody along with the drug exhibits.

This is coming on the heels of a similar interception by NDLEA officers of another commodity laden vessel- MV Nord Bosporus from the port of Santos in Brazil with no less than 20 kilograms of the Class A drug buried under its cargo on 16th November at the Apapa seaport Lagos.

Suspects taken into custody along with the latest seized cocaine consignment include the Master of the vessel, Trofymov Oleksandr; and other crew members namely: Stoychev Sergiy; Bobrov Maksim; Stupnytsky Sergiy; Bitinev Aleksei; Novruzov Teymur; Sosnov Oleg; Bondar Ihor; Klymenko Oleh; Cala Michael De Jesus; Jamir Julfikhar Jacusalem; Blanco Crus Veloso; Fajardo Ronnel Luntaao; Gumela Lolito Jr. Serojano; Toston Romulo Jr. Oling; Smirnov Viacheslav; Gorre Mar Kemmeth Tabudlong; Cruz John Vhoie Glavez; Sablan Jamille Alorro; Abesia Kelvin Belarmino; and Ubay Kenneth Biaoco.

In line with international legal protocols, the NDLEA on Friday 12th December filed an ex-parte application in suit FHC/L/MISC/1408/2025 before Justice Frida Nkemakonam Ogazi of the Federal High Court, Lagos, for the detention of the ship and the 21 crew members pending when charges will be filed against them.

Ruling on the application, the judge said “an order of court is hereby made extending the detention of the Vessel MV San Antonio being investigated by the Applicant, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for fourteen days (14) in the first instance following the seizure of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine aboard the said Vessel on 6th December, 2025 at Apapa seaport, Lagos, pending the conclusion of investigation and or filing of criminal charge and prosecution.” The court thereafter adjourned the matter to 29th December 2025.

In his reaction to the development, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) said the latest seizure reinforces his earlier warning to international drug cartels and their local collaborators that they will never get a foothold in Nigeria.

While commending the officers of the Apapa Strategic Command of the Agency for the back-to-back successful operations, he said “this is no doubt a testament to NDLEA’s heightened capacity and unwavering resolve to frustrate the drug syndicates targeting the West African sub-region especially Nigeria.” He said the Agency will continue to collaborate with local and international partners to ensure zero tolerance for substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

Anambra Police Operatives Recover Arms, Cash In Abagana

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The Anambra State Police Command has recorded another major operational success as operatives of the Commissioner of Police (CP) Special Patrol recovered arms, suspected stolen cash, and other incriminating items during a hot pursuit in Abagana.

The incident occurred at about 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, during an offensive security operation aimed at flushing out criminal elements and strengthening public safety across the state.

According to police sources, the operatives encountered suspected criminals who attempted to evade arrest upon sighting the patrol team, triggering a high-speed chase through the area.

In the course of the pursuit, the suspects’ operational vehicle was involved in an accident, forcing the occupants to abandon the vehicle and flee into the surrounding environment.

A thorough search of the abandoned ash-coloured Toyota Highlander with registration number UWN 680 PE led to the discovery of dangerous weapons and other items suspected to be linked to criminal activities.

Among the items recovered were one pump-action rifle and one locally fabricated single-barrel rifle, raising serious concerns about the intentions of the fleeing suspects.

Police operatives also recovered a sum of Six Hundred and Thirty-Six Thousand, Seven Hundred Naira (₦636,700.00), believed to be suspected proceeds of crime.

Other incriminating items found inside the vehicle are currently being analyzed as part of ongoing investigations by the Command.

Although the suspects escaped during the incident, the Police Command has confirmed that their identities are being traced through intelligence gathering and coordinated tracking efforts.

The Command disclosed that intelligence-led operations have since been intensified across Abagana and adjoining communities to ensure the arrest of the fleeing suspects.

Security presence in the area has also been strengthened to prevent any further criminal activity and to reassure residents of the police’s readiness to respond swiftly to threats.

The Anambra State Police Command described the recovery as a testament to its proactive policing approach and sustained commitment to combating crime in the state.

Residents have been urged to remain calm but vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movement or information that could assist security agencies.

The Police Command reaffirmed that the safety of lives and property remains its top priority, stressing that criminal elements will find no hiding place in Anambra State.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, the Command assured Ndi Anambra that further developments on the operation will be communicated as investigations continue.

Cult Initiation In Edo: Police Neutralise Suspect, Nabs 27

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The Edo State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on cult-related violence, neutralising a suspected cultist and arresting 27 others during a late-night raid that disrupted an alleged initiation ceremony.

 

Public Relations Officer of the command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the operation in a statement issued on Monday in Benin City. She explained that the raid was based on credible intelligence that members of the Neo Black Axe Movement of Nigeria, popularly known as Black Axe, had gathered in Urohi village, Esan-West Local Government Area, about 18 kilometres from Ekpoma, for an initiation exercise.

 

The raid took place at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Saturday and was led by the Divisional Police Officer of Ekpoma Division, SP Nelson Igbinoba. The combined team included police tactical operatives, local vigilantes, and hunters.

According to Ikoedem, the operatives came under gunfire while attempting to make arrests. “One of the cultists opened fire on the police and, in the ensuing gun duel, the suspect was neutralised,” she said.

 

Recovered items from the scene included firearms, dangerous weapons, vehicles, mobile phones, and substances suspected to be hemp.

 

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) for thorough investigation and prosecution. He commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism during the operation.

 

Agbonika reassured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to combating cultism, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality across Edo State.

 

ASP Ikoedem urged residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation is vital to sustaining the offensive against cult-related violence and other threats to public safety.

Edo Police Operatives Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims

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The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of 11 passengers who were among 18 kidnapped along the Benin–Akure highway near Obarenren village in Ovia North East Local Government Area.

 

Police spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed the development on Monday in Benin City, explaining that the victims were abducted on December 12, 2025, when gunmen ambushed their vehicle and forced it to a halt at gunpoint.

 

According to Ikoedem, the police received a distress call immediately after the incident and mobilised a combined team of police operatives, army personnel, and local vigilante groups. The joint team combed the surrounding bush in search of the abducted passengers.

On Sunday, 11 of the victims were rescued while seven others are still in the captivity of their abductors,” she said.

 

Recovered victims have since been reunited with their families, while security operatives continue intensive operations to secure the release of the remaining seven passengers.

 

ASP Ikoedem reassured residents that the command is doing everything possible to ensure the safe return of those still held by the kidnappers. She urged members of the public to remain calm and continue to support security agencies with credible information.

 

“The command remains committed to rescuing the remaining victims unharmed and sustaining the fight against kidnapping and other criminal activities across Edo State,” she added.